Velvet

bif24701 · Mar 19, 2017

Looks like my son's tank has developed velvet. I have Formalin MS, how do I treat the fish with this, never used it. I'm getting a QT ready also for copper treatment after.

KJ · Mar 19, 2017

Formalin - Cheap, effective and readily available; formalin can sometimes even be sourced from a vet or local pharmacy (37% Formaldehyde is what you’re looking for). However, the downsides are numerous: First, it can be very harsh - some fish cannot even survive in it the full 60 minutes. Formalin will quickly deplete oxygen from the water, so it’s important to aerate heavily for 30 minutes before and also during the bath treatment. The bath should be done in a large glass bowl/container or small aquarium, as plastic may absorb some of the medication and then leach it back out during future use. Finally, formalin is a known carcinogen, so precautions must be taken when handling it. Prevent your skin from coming into contact with it by wearing waterproof gloves, and protect your face by wearing a face mask and eye protection.

Even though I lost the butterfly I had treated with formalin, I still wanted to include it as a chemical bath option. In the past, I have successfully treated clownfish with Brooklynella by using formalin and also know those who have been successful using it to treat velvet as well, so it is not without its merits. However, there is anecdotal evidence that some fish treated with formalin will suddenly stop eating at a later date. So, similar to cyanide poisoning. I’ve also read that many fish treated with formalin do not live past 18-24 months, possibly dying of cancer. However, when faced with velvet and if formalin is your only viable option, 18-24 months is a heck of a lot better than just letting the fish die in a matter of days or even hour.
From Humblefish Article.

bif24701 · Mar 19, 2017

So I can use some tank water for the dip then?

drawman · Mar 19, 2017

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/velvet-amyloodinium-ocellatum.217570/#post-2499437"

Give this a read from Humblefish's sticky. He also does a freshwater dip right before the chemical bath.

drawman · Mar 19, 2017

bif24701 said:
So I can use some tank water for the dip then?

I personally would use NSW. I've done chemical baths in 5 gallon buckets with Acriflavine and it doesn't take much NSW.

bif24701 · Mar 19, 2017

Formalin is measured in drops, but didn't come with a dropper. So just use any think that can make dropps

drawman · Mar 19, 2017

bif24701 said:
Formalin is measured in drops, but didn't come with a dropper. So just use any think that can make dropps

Yeah I would think that would be fine. A drop is roughly equal to .05mL if that helps too. FWIW just read Humblefish's formalin thread and he doesn't recommend using buckets. I would imagine if your plan is to use it only for this then it may not be as big of a concern but I'll let him comment.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/formalin.290925/

bif24701 · Mar 19, 2017

Aerating FW dip, and Formalin dip

bif24701 · Mar 19, 2017

drawman said:
Yeah I would think that would be fine. A drop is roughly equal to .05mL if that helps too. FWIW just read Humblefish's formalin thread and he doesn't recommend using buckets. I would imagine if your plan is to use it only for this then it may not be as big of a concern but I'll let him comment.

https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/formalin.290925/

I'm using a 5 gallon for fhe FW and a 10 gallon with about 4 gallons in it for the Formalin.

melypr1985 · Mar 19, 2017

You will still need copper to cure them of velvet after the dips. Be sure not to skip that step. Best of luck!

bif24701 · Mar 19, 2017

Formalin dip

Two I transferred to the QT already but I think they are already dead. These others might make it.

melypr1985 · Mar 19, 2017

I'm so sorry sweetie.

bif24701 · Mar 19, 2017

melypr1985 said:
You will still need copper to cure them of velvet after the dips. Be sure not to skip that step. Best of luck!

Yup, lol. The QT is already ready.

Man I've have just had the worst luck with fish the last few weeks and I haven't bought new fish or brought anything into my tanks in months.... what the heck.

melypr1985 · Mar 19, 2017

bif24701 said:
Yup, lol. The QT is already ready.

Man I've have just had the worst luck with fish the last few weeks and I haven't bought new fish or brought anything into my tanks in months.... what the heck.

Sometimes it happens. It's good that you aren't down on yourself about it. Momma didn't raise no quitter!

bif24701 · Mar 19, 2017

melypr1985 said:
Sometimes it happens. It's good that you aren't down on yourself about it. Momma didn't raise no quitter!

It's a crazy amount of work, and it's early Sunday morning but these are my son's fish and he would be crushed if I gave up and I can't let him see me do something like that.

4FordFamily · Mar 19, 2017

We've all been there, any of us that have been in the hobby for any length of time anyway.

Keep your head up, you are definitely doing the right thing!

bif24701 · Mar 19, 2017

Ok so now they are transferred to QT with copper. I saw I should add my Kana/Furon/Metro, correct?

Humblefish · Mar 19, 2017

bif24701 said:
Ok so now they are transferred to QT with copper. I saw I should add my Kana/Furon/Metro, correct?

I would add metro for 10 days, in conjunction with the copper. The photo above (of the clownfish) looks more like brook than velvet to me. But FW dip + formalin bath + copper/metro is still the way to go to cover all your bases.