Lost everything to Velvet (we assume)

MaxAG1020 · Sep 21, 2023

We have lost everything it's so sad. Some of the fish we had for many many years. I'm pretty sure I know how this happened - I'd like advise on how to proceed. Is leaving the tank fallow for 6 weeks enough? part of me wants to just drain, dry, new sand and rock - completely start over...is that necessary? Love some thoughts, thanks.

blaxsun · Sep 21, 2023

Sucks - been there - lost lots of fish. I don't recall what the fallow period is offhand, but that's less involved than starting from scratch.

The_Paradox · Sep 21, 2023

If you are happy with the way it’s set up then wait it out. 6 weeks is better than 6 months of ugly phases. If you want to redo a bunch of stuff though, now would be the time.

MaxAG1020 · Sep 21, 2023

Thanks - is it riskier though? Is it possible the parasite doesn't completely resolve and then we enter new fish and the whole thing starts again? Is starting over completely from scratch the only sure way to be safe? or is leaving it fallow for a certain period of time a safe bet?

MaxAG1020 · Sep 21, 2023

The_Paradox said:
If you are happy with the way it’s set up then wait it out. 6 weeks is better than 6 months of ugly phases. If you want to redo a bunch of stuff though, now would be the time.

Thank you - I am happy with the setup - so you are saying that leaving it fallow for 6 weeks is considered a safe bet to then re-enter new fish?

The_Paradox · Sep 21, 2023

MaxAG1020 said:
Thank you - I am happy with the setup - so you are saying that leaving it fallow for 6 weeks is considered a safe bet to then re-enter new fish?

3 months is what I’ve always heard. Still quicker than ugly phase. Guess it probably depends if you like being hands on and enjoy the tinkering.