QT tank, dose or observe only?

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Hey Jay,

Approx what percent of your QT's have you found that something actually pops up?
Sorry for the weird wording

With the protocol listed, the expectation is that you will see NO clinical signs of ich, velvet or flukes on any of the fish - the protocol stops those before the fish ever show signs. For other issues like brooklynella or bacterial problems, I treat if symptoms appear.

For non-proactive quarantine (observational) or no quarantine at all, I have to try and infer the rates from other people, and that’s tough to do. A lot of the issues people see stem from poor quality fish. Id guess, overall there is about a 30% chance of seeing an epizootic in the new fish, split 50:50 between ich or flukes, with just a smattering of velvet.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

I may be wrong but I feel if I'm not seeing any sign of disease after 30 days minimum in observation I'm safe.
I'm sure its something i did wrong but I had too many deaths in medicated QT so I stopped.

45 days is safer. The word “quarantine” is derived from the Italian word for 40.

I would never rely on observational quarantine if the destination tank has high value fish in it - the risk is still just too great.

 

[LeftyReefer]

I have 2 new fish in QT right now. They appeared 100% healthy when I received them a week ago, but I'm not taking any chances with my other fish, so into full QT they go.
I observed them for a few days to get them eating and comfortable and then I started copper. They are now on day 4 of copper power at 2.5. They will get a min of 30 days in copper at 2.5 plus a couple prazi treatments at a min.

When I first got into the hobby 6 years ago, the first "batch" of fish I had, I ended up losing several to an ich outbreak that came in on one of the last additions. They all appeared healthy when I added them, but one wasn't.... lost several fish and I ended up having to QT the remaining few, and then had to leave the DT fallow for months. ever since then, I've given every new fish a full QT regardless of their appearance and haven't had a single issue since. I don't ever want to go through that again if I don't have too.

The best way to QT fish is to set up your QT tank early, so that is it cycled before you start. I know that isn't always possible, but it makes the whole process so much easier If your QT tank is cycled.
Trying to do it with an uncycled QT is what leads to issues as it's so much easier to mess things up with ammonia toxicity and all the constant water changes and having to test and re-dose meds all the time. It's sooooo much easier with a cycled QT.

Ever since my first outbreak years ago, I've had a QT up and running at all times. I take it down occasionally to clean and sterilize, but that only takes a day or two and then I have it back up and running. I keep bottle bacteria (and ammonia) on hand to reseed it every time. I use a HOB filter full of (non copper absorbing) smooth ceramic rings and a air driven sponge filter. With bottle bacteria fed by ammonia, you can easily cycle a QT tank in under 2 weeks to where you can throw several fish in and never see any ammonia for the full QT.

 

[exnisstech]

45 days is safer. The word “quarantine” is derived from the Italian word for 40.

I would never rely on observational quarantine if the destination tank has high value fish in it - the risk is still just too great.

I usually do go longer than 30 days. My hippo was in for 11 months lol.
My thing is I'm one of those anti medication people that rarely goes to a doctor. People seem to be dependant on chemicals vs good nutrition and that mentality carries over to my pet care. My dogs eat 100% raw meat, bones and organs and I'm an anti vaxxer. Pretty much like my self. I'm coming up on 66 yo and went 37 years without a DR visit. Most think its foolish but I'm proud if it. I can't even watch TV at night because my Gal watches channels that are always pimping drugs for some mystery disease I've never even heard of but there's a drugs for it and I can't stand to listen to it.
I usually don't get sick when others around me do. Natural immunity baby!
Back to fish, I felt like a fish killer when I was medicating so I stopped. My thoughts are more aligned with @Paul B and @atoll in trying not to destroy a fishes natural immune system and one reason I do not buy from tanks running copper.
I don't proactively medicate but I also do not tell people not to. Its all about choice and what works for one doesn't always work for everyone.
The last time I ran copper was when I introduced velvet 5-6 years or so ago when I unknowingly added an emporer Angel that was being housed in 1.015 salinty. I managed to save 3 fish which are still with me, a couple approaching 10 years under my care.
That said I no longer add fish on a regular basis and I'm pretty selective on fish I add and I only buy fish I can observe in person before purchasing. I think the later is a very important step that gets overlooked or isn't possible for everyone.
I've had my losses just like everyone else but I've yet to lose a new addition while in observation.

 

[13rodo]

I’ve done testing years ago that shows ionic copper sets biofilters back by about 25%.
Amine chelated copper products are even less likely to harm nitrifying bacteria.

Sources from peer reviewed literature? Did a Google Scholar search and you have none. Completely anecdotal.

Id guess, overall there is about a 30% chance of seeing an epizootic in the new fish, split 50:50 between ich or flukes, with just a smattering of velvet.

Completely anecdotal and you can find examples on R2R of others who don’t QT and don’t lose fish. Making up a number based on no real data as a scare tactic is not science.

My actual title at work is “Research Scientist”. My domain is aerospace admittedly, but actual science is done pretty universally through peer reviewed literature. For that reason, I avoid conversations on the internet regarding non-peer reviewed “science” (non peer reviewed R2R articles are about as valid as flat-Earth “science”). I joined this forum to have some fun chats with other hobbyists, but you baited me so here we go…

I choose not to dox myself, but anyone here can do a simple Google Scholar search and see that your “50 years as an Aquarium Curator” has resulted in 2 publications with minimal citations. Your HLLE publication is cited only 10 times and it is your only peer reviewed publication on fish disease. Everything else is magazines and R2R. My grad school work alone (only 1.5 years of my career) has a higher impact. Roy P. E. Yanong (an actual vet/published academic) has a article on copper (including chelated) with plenty of good citations (none from Jay). It’s pretty evident that the actual literature says your static concentration that you copy/pasta all over R2R is at odds with peer reviewed studies. The correct therapeutic level is confounded by fish species (nope not only sharks) and age. So you basically just post a catch all that may or may not be lethal to the species at its current age. Anyways I’m done interacting with a keyboard pseudo-scientist and am going to go back to enjoying this forum.

For others, this is why you need to use your own brain and do your own research. The internet is full of nurses and aquarium managers trying to convince people that their experience means everything they do is truth. R2R is not a peer reviewed publication, it is a hobbyist forum. Enjoy the hobby and be wary of forum “science”.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Sources from peer reviewed literature? Did a Google Scholar search and you have none. Completely anecdotal.


Completely anecdotal and you can find examples on R2R of others who don’t QT and don’t lose fish. Making up a number based on no real data as a scare tactic is not science.

My actual title at work is “Research Scientist”. My domain is aerospace admittedly, but actual science is done pretty universally through peer reviewed literature. For that reason, I avoid conversations on the internet regarding non-peer reviewed “science” (non peer reviewed R2R articles are about as valid as flat-Earth “science”). I joined this forum to have some fun chats with other hobbyists, but you baited me so here we go…

I choose not to dox myself, but anyone here can do a simple Google Scholar search and see that your “50 years as an Aquarium Curator” has resulted in 2 publications with minimal citations. Your HLLE publication is cited only 10 times and it is your only peer reviewed publication on fish disease. Everything else is magazines and R2R. My grad school work alone (only 1.5 years of my career) has a higher impact. Roy P. E. Yanong (an actual vet/published academic) has a article on copper (including chelated) with plenty of good citations (none from Jay). It’s pretty evident that the actual literature says your static concentration that you copy/pasta all over R2R is at odds with peer reviewed studies. The correct therapeutic level is confounded by fish species (nope not only sharks) and age. So you basically just post a catch all that may or may not be lethal to the species at its current age. Anyways I’m done interacting with a keyboard pseudo-scientist and am going to go back to enjoying this forum.

For others, this is why you need to use your own brain and do your own research. The internet is full of nurses and aquarium managers trying to convince people that their experience means everything they do is truth. R2R is not a peer reviewed publication, it is a hobbyist forum. Enjoy the hobby and be wary of forum “science”.

O.K., you wrote , "Not getting into it anymore", so I didn't reply any further, but then you replied again.

I'm not going to change your mind, and I really don't really care about that. What I DO worry about is other people reading the thread and getting less than appropriate information. Many of our members just lurk and read. I'm committed to supplying the best information that I can based on my experiences.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Hey Jay, does ammonia bound copper Make the 2 .25-2.5 goal less reliable if there’s .5 ammonia in the water?

Sorry - not sure what you mean? The 2.25 goal is still important, it's just that if you are worried about ammonia levels in a QT, you need to discount/subtract the 0.50 ppm from the copper before worrying about ammonia.

 

[13rodo]

O.K., you wrote , "Not getting into it anymore", so I didn't reply any further, but then you replied again.

I'm not going to change your mind, and I really don't really care about that. What I DO worry about is other people reading the thread and getting less than appropriate information. Many of our members just lurk and read. I'm committed to supplying the best information that I can based on my experiences.

Then you should say “based on my experience” not purport to be the authority. Paul B doesn’t QT and his way is no less valid.

Edit: Got back into because of this little gem “overall there is about a 30% chance of seeing an epizootic in the new fish, split 50:50 between ich or flukes, with just a smattering of velvet”… your made up stat isn’t inappropriate? If you want to preach evidence based then do it and stop purporting anecdotal evidence as fact.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Then you should say “based on my experience” not purport to be the authority. Paul B doesn’t QT and his way is no less valid.

O.K., I asked politely why you still want to get into this with me after you said you were "done". You keep bringing up my credentials. What If I post my publications list for you? The six books that I've written are sort of just in this mix below, and I have four peer-reviewed papers that are in the pipeline now (but I was just a co-author on those)

​

Bock, S. L., K.Lyons, L.Yang, et al. 2026. Genome-Wide DNA Methylation Patterns Predict Age in the Zebra Shark (Stegostoma tigrinum) and Provide Insight Into the Evolution of Vertebrate Aging. Molecular Ecology35, no. 7: e70326. https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.70326.



Hemdal, J.F. 2026. Unknown Vesicle Disease (UVD). Drum and Croaker, Volume 57: 82-85 http://drumandcroaker.org/pdf/2026v57.pdf



Hemdal, J.F., et-al, 2025. Japanese Spider Crab Care Manual, Second Edition. AZA Aquatic Invertebrate Taxon Advisory Group. Silver Spring, MD: Association of Zoos and Aquariums.



Hemdal, J.F. 2024. Using Zims Data to Develop Average Longevity Values. Drum and Croaker, Volume 55: 115-117, 2024 http://drumandcroaker.org/pdf/2024v2.pdf



—— 2022. Crustacean Invasion: Parasitic copepods and isopods. Coral: 20(2):98-104



—— 2022. Diseases Of Aquarium Animals - Therapy, Science and Philosophy. 284 pp. Reef-2-Reef Publication.



—— 2021. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Twenty first edition. Association of Zoos and Aquariums / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2020. Selecting and Adding Healthy Fish to the Marine Aquarium. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine 69(Sep/Oct):74-78



—— 2020. Quarantine Procedures for Marine Fishes. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine 67(May/June)



—— 2020. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Twentieth edition. Association of Zoos and Aquariums / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2019. Breathe Easy – Using Fish Respiration Rates to Determine Relative Stress Levels in Fish. Coral 16(4):104-111



—— 2019. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Nineteenth edition. Association of Zoos and Aquariums / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2018. Incoming! How a public aquarium makes a special livestock acquisition. Coral 15(3):106-110



—— 2018. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Eighteenth edition. Association of Zoos and Aquariums / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2018. CO2 – A Guide to Carbon Dioxide in Aquariums. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine 66(Jan/Feb):68



Haddix, K., Hemdal, J.F. 2017. Wet hands in the world beneath the waves. Safari Vol. 26(2):4-5



Hemdal, J.F. 2017. First Aid is Best! Coral 14(2):58



—— 2017. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Seventeenth edition. Association of Zoos and Aquariums / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2017. Building a Home Aquarium Library. Reef to Rainforest web site: https://www.reef2rainforest.com/2017/05/01/building-a-home-aquarium-reference-library/



—— 2017. Flashlight Fishes. Coral 14(1):54-64



Hemdal, J.F. 2016. Fin Rot in Aquarium Fishes. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine 64(Nov/Dec):36



Hemdal, J.F. 2016. Bonnethead Shark Pups Born at Toledo Zoo & Aquarium. Reef to Rainforest web site: http://www.reef2rainforest.com/2016/11/30/bonnethead-shark-pups-born-at-toledo-zoo-aquarium/



—— 2016. Sustainability in the Trade. Reefs Online Magazine, Fall 2016 https://reefs.com/magazine/sustainability-in-the-trade-191.html/



—— 2016. The Red Banded Lobster, Justitia longimanus. Coral 13(4):26-28



—— 2016. Evaluating Synthetic Sea Salts. Reefs Online Magazine, Spring 2016 https://reefs.com/magazine/evaluating-synthetic-sea-salts-184.html/



—— 2016. A Guide to the Palette Surgeonfish, Paracanthurus hepatus. Coral 13(3):18-28. Feature article and cover photo



—— 2016. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Sixteenth edition. Association of Zoos and Aquariums / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2016. Captive Bred Yellow Tangs – Showing HLLE? Reef to Rainforest web site: http://www.reef2rainforest.com/2016/03/12/captive-bred-yellow-tangs-showing-hlle/



—— 2016. What’s in a Name? Reef to Rainforest web site: http://www.reef2rainforest.com/2016/03/11/whats-in-a-name/



—— 2016. Incoming! – A Japanese animal importation. Safari 25(1): 10-11



Hemdal, J.F. 2016. Aquarium Careers, 3rd edition. 180pp. Createspace, Middletown, DE ISBN: 9781522899815.



Hemdal, J.F. 2015. The Essential Aquarium, aka #HemdalTip. Reef to Rainforest web site: http://www.reef2rainforest.com/2015/12/24/the-essential-aquarium-aka-hemdaltip/



Haddix, K., Hemdal, J.F., Payeff, R. 2015. [B#HemdalTipg History – Toledo Zoo’s Reimagined Aquarium.[/B] AZA Connect November 2015 p.32-39



Hemdal, J.F. 2015. Try Jellin’ – Jellyfish for home aquariums. 2016 Marine Fish and Reef Annual. Vol. 18: 40-46



Hemdal, J.F. 2015. Pacific Sea Nettles – Nestle their way into our hearts. Safari 24(2): 7-8



—— 2015. Pacific Sea Nettles – Rock Stars of the Public Aquarium World. Coral 12(3):54-57



Schaeffer, J. 2015. Q&A: Interview with Jay Hemdal, Toledo Zoo Fish Curator. Fisheries, 40: 252-255. https://doi.org/10.1080/03632415.2015.1037667



—— 2015. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Fifteenth edition. Association of Zoos and Aquariums / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2015. Aquarium Inventions. Reef to Rainforest web site: http://www.reef2rainforest.com/2015/06/16/aquarium-inventions/



—— 2015. The Renovation of the Toledo Zoo Aquarium. Reef to Rainforest web site: http://www.reef2rainforest.com/2015/06/01/the-renovation-of-the-toledo-zoo-aquarium/



—— 2015. Toledo Zoo Aquarium Renovation. 15-part series. Saltwater Smarts web site: http://www.saltwatersmarts.com/toledo-zoo-aquarium-renovation/



—— 2015. The Salt Smart Guide to Preventing, Diagnosing, and Treating Diseases of Marine Fishes. 171 pp. Saltwater Smarts Publications. Toledo, Ohio.



—— 2015. Aquatic-Focused Experimental Learning. Drum and Croaker, Volume 46, 2015



Hemdal, J.F. 2014. Aquatic-Focused Experiential Learning at the Toledo Zoo. Reef to Rainforest web site: http://www.reef2rainforest.com/2014/12/15/aquatic-focused-experiential-learning-at-the-toledo-zoo/



Hemdal, J.F., et-al, 2014. Japanese Spider Crab Care Manual. AZA Aquatic Invertebrate Taxon Advisory Group. Silver Spring, MD: Association of Zoos and Aquariums.



—— 2014. Aquarium Renovation Project at the Toledo Zoo. Advanced Aquarist, Volume XIII December 2014 http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2014/12/aquarium



—— 2014. Species Globalization. Coral 11(6):116-129



—— 2014. 10 Easy Reef Residents. Marine Fish and Reef 2015 Annual. Volume 17:6-18



Hemdal, J.F., Delbeek, J.C., Terrel, R. 2014 Giant Freshwater Fishes: Caveats and Comments. Amazonas, Volume 3:9-13 November/December 2014



Hemdal, J.F. 2014. Viral Diseases of Aquarium Fishes. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine 62(12):46-55



—— 2014. Disaster Preparedness for Aquariums. Coral & Reef USA 2015 Annual. Volume 4:106-113



—— 2014. Your First Aquarium. 112pp T.F.H. Publications, Neptune City, N.J.



—— 2014. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Fourteenth edition. Association of Zoos and Aquariums / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2013. Which lights for me? Marine Fish and Reef 2014 Annual. Volume 16:62-69



Hemdal, J.F. & York, K. 2013. Aquarium Renovation Project at the Toledo Zoo. SeaScope. Volume 29:2



Hemdal, J.F. 2013. Do You Nano? Coral & Reef USA Volume 3:76-83



—— 2013. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Thirteenth edition. Association of Zoos and Aquariums / Toledo Zoo publication.



Hemdal, J. & McMullin, E. 2013. Husbandry of a Lake Victoria cichlid, the Pitch-black fulu Haplochromis piceatus, in public aquariums: a 20-year retrospective. International Zoo Yearbook 47. DOI: 10.1111/izy.12012



Hemdal, J.F. 2013. Chloroquine: A "New" Drug for Treating Fish Diseases. Advanced Aquarist’s Online Magazine. 12(2): http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2013/2/fish



Hemdal, J.F. 2012. Something to see – the flashlight fishes. Aquarium Fish International 24(8):80-88



Tlusty, M.F., Rhyne, A.K., Kaufman, L, Hutchins, M., McGregor Reid, G., Andrews, C., Boyle, P., Hemdal, J.F., McGilvray, F., Dowd, S. 2012. Opportunities for Public Aquariums to Increase the Sustainability of the Aquatic Animal Trade. Zoo Biology 00: 1–19 (2012)



Hemdal, J.F., Loiselle, P.V. 2012. The Endangered Cichlid Fishes of Lake Victoria. Amazonas May/June 50-59



Hemdal, J.F. 2012. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Twelfth edition. Association of Zoos and Aquariums / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2012. Acclimating Animals to Aquariums Part 2. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine 60(8):77-80



—— 2012. Acclimating Animals to Aquariums Part 1. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine 60(7):56-60



—— 2012. Coral and Invertebrate Quarantine. Aquarium Fish International 24(4):42-47



—— 2012. Underwater Photography in Aquariums. Drum and Croaker. Volume 43, January 2012,



Gardner, T., Hemdal, J.F. 2011. Captive Propagation of the Boarfish. Reefs Online Magazine. Fall 2011 http://www.reefsmagazine.com/forum/reefs-magazine/111408-captive-propagation-boarfish.html



Hemdal, J.F. Odum, R.A. 2011. The Role of Activated Lignite Carbon in the Development of Head and Lateral Line Erosion in the Ocean Surgeonfish. North American Journal of Aquaculture 73:4, 489-492



Hemdal, J.F. 2011. Light up their world – dramatic lighting for aquariums. Marine Fish & Reef 2012 Annual 14(1):43-51



—— 2011. Swimming Spaces. Aquarium Fish International 23(11):52-59



—— 2011. HLLE and a smoking gun. Coral 8(4):90-95



—— 2011. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Eleventh edition. Association of Zoos and Aquariums / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2011. Aquarium Keeping and the Law. Aquarium Fish International 23(4):106-113



—— 2010. Six Great Reef Fishes You Should Know. Marine Fish & Reef 2011 Annual 13(1):96-105



—— 2010. HLLE and Activated Carbon: Looking for a Link. Coral Magazine 7(3):12-14



—— 2010. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Tenth edition. Association of Zoos and Aquariums / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2010. The Cherry Anthias: Sacura margaritacea. Advanced Aquarist’s Online Magazine 9(4): http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2010/4/fish



—— 2010. The 'Eyes' Have it: A Review of Eye Health in Aquarium Fishes. Advanced Aquarist’s Online Magazine 9(3): http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2010/3/fish



—— 2010. Refinement of a Technique for Remote Measurement of Captive Fishes Using Parallel Lasers. Drum and Croaker. Volume 41, 2010.



—— 2010. Red Band Syndrome. Aquarium Fish International 22(1):26-30



—— 2009. Mortality Rates of Fishes in Captivity. Advanced Aquarist’s Online Magazine. 8(12): http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2009/12/fish2



—— 2009. A Soft Spot for Softies (Soft Corals). Marine Fish and Reef USA 2010 Annual

Vol. 12:86-95



—— 2009. An Evaluation of Current Aquarium-related Conservation Efforts. Advanced Aquarist’s Online Magazine. 8(9): http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2009/9/aafeature



—— 2009. For Good Measure - Calculating the Swimming Space Requirements for Fishes in Aquariums. Practical Fishkeeping Magazine. Issue 7, July, 2009



—— 2009. Aquarium Fishes of the Tropical Eastern Atlantic Ocean. Advanced Aquarist’s Online Magazine. 8(6): http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2009/6/fish



—— 2009. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Ninth edition. Association of Zoos and Aquariums / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2009. Leapin’ Leopoldi’s! Safari 18(2):7



—— 2009. The Regal Tang. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 32(6):42-52



—— 2009. Leafcutter Ants: Gardeners of the Insect World. Safari 18(1):10-11



—— 2008. Mini-Aquariums. 144p. BowTie Press, Laguna Hills, California



—— 2008. Information Resources for Home Aquarists. Advanced Aquarist’s Online Magazine. 7(12): http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2008/12/review2



—— 2008. Micro-Ecosystems. Advanced Aquarist’s Online Magazine. 7(9): http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2008/9/aafeature3



—— 2008. Salinity Measurements for Marine Aquariums. Tropical Fish Hobbyist 57(2):108-112



—— 2008. Emergency Protocols for Home Aquariums. Advanced Aquarist’s Online Magazine. 7(4): http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2008/4/aafeature1



—— 2008. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Eighth edition. Association of Zoos and Aquariums / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2008. Diversity in Aquarium Collections. Drum and Croaker. 39(1):81-85



—— 2007. Bugs as Pets. 112p. TFH Publications, Neptune City, New Jersey



—— 2007. Chronic Anorexia in Aquarium Fishes. Advanced Aquarist’s Online Magazine. 6(12): http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2007/12/



—— 2007. Antique Fish Prints as Fine Art. Advanced Aquarist’s Online Magazine. 6(5): http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2007/5/



—— 2007. Captive Observations of the Mimic Octopus, Thaumoctopus mimicus. Advanced Aquarist’s Online Magazine. 6(4): http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2007/4/



—— 2007. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Seventh edition. American Zoo

and Aquarium Association / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2007. Home-Bred Seahorses. Marine Fish and Reef USA Annual 9(1):92-101



—— 2006. The Dressy – Sometimes Delicate – Harlequin Tuskfish. Aquarium Fish 18(12):94-97



—— 2006. The Filefish (aka Leatherjackets). Aquarium Fish 18(9):82-88



—— 2006. Captive Propagation Preferred. Aquarium Fish 18(8):24-34



—— 2006. The Magnificent blue-striped Angelfish, Chaetodontoplus septentrionalis. Tropical Fish Hobbyist 54(11):126-130



—— 2006. Advanced Marine Aquarium Techniques. 352pp. TFH publications, Neptune City, New Jersey



—— 2006. The Porkfish, Anisotremus virginicus. Aquarium Fish 18(5):



—— 2006. Aquarists and the Endangered Cichlid Fishes of Lake Victoria, Africa. AZA Communiqué March 2006 p.50-52



Hemdal, J.F., Cypher, J. 2006. Crustacean Nation. Marine Fish and Reef USA Annual 8(1):78-85



Koldewey, H. editor, et-al .2005. Syngnathid Husbandry in Public Aquariums. Macrorhamphosus species section. p. 108 – 110.



Hemdal, J.F. 2005. The dragons from down under. Safari 13(2):9-10



—— 2005. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Sixth edition. American Zoo

and Aquarium Association / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2004. Home aquarium fish you shouldn’t bring home – and why. Safari 12(4):4-5



Hemdal, J.F., Kurtz, J. 2004. Personality-Packed Puffers. Marine Fish and Reef USA Annual 7(1):68-81



Hemdal, J.F. 2004. The weedy scorpionfish: great – not grotesque! Aquarium Fish

16(8):54-59



—— 2004. Work among fishes. Aquarium Fish 16(4):50-58



—— 2004. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Fifth edition. American Zoo

and Aquarium Association / Toledo Zoo publication.



Hemdal, J.F., Kurtz, J. 2003. Basslets: the peaceful groupers. Marine Fish and Reef USA Annual 6(1):92-99



Hemdal, J.F. 2003. Batfish and spadefish. Aquarium Fish 15(12):36-48



—— 2003. Food for thought. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 26(9):171-174



—— 2003. Aquarium humor. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 26(8):13



—— 2003. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Fourth edition. American Zoo

and Aquarium Association / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2003. Temperate Australian marine fishes. Safari 11(1):10-11



—— 2003. Head and lateral line erosion. Aquarium Fish 15(4):28-35



—— 2003. Mineral balance. Aquarium Fish 15(4):54-59



—— 2003. Propagation of the Pirate Perch, Aphredoderus sayanus, an Extirpated Fish in Ohio, at the Toledo Zoo. American Currents 29(1)9-10



—— 2003. Aquarium fish breeding. 169pp. Barron’s Educational Series. Hauppauge, New York



—— 2002. The Black Widow Brotula Stygnobrotula latebricola. Freshwater and Marine

Aquarium 25(12):154-168



—— 2002. Fish necropsy techniques. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 25(11):126-130



—— 2002. The Pirate perch Aphredoderus sayanus. Safari 10(2):13



—— 2002. Aquarium tricks. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 25(5):196-202



Hemdal, J.F., Ottney, C. 2002. Garden pools. Safari 10(1):10



Hemdal, J.F. 2001. Tube feeding techniques for fish. Freshwater and Marine

Aquarium 24(12): 50-58



—— 2001. Aquarium careers. 126 pp. iUniverse publishers. Lincoln, NE



—— 2001. The use of ozone in marine aquarium systems. Freshwater and Marine

Aquarium 24(5):124-128



Chandler, M., Hemdal, J.F., Bailey, S.L. 2001. The Lake Victoria Haplochromine – AZA’s

first fish SSP. AZA Communiqué March 2001



Hemdal, J.F. 2001. Increased visitor residency time at a renovated aquarium exhibit.

Drum & Croaker 32 (1):18-19



—— 2000. (Un)Sustainable marine fisheries. Safari 8 (3):10-11



—— 2000. Temperate Australian marine fishes. Aquarium Fish 12(10):44-48



—— 2000. Aquarium problem solving. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium

23(5):108-118



Bullard, S.A., Benz, G.W., Overstreet, R.M., Williams Jr., E.H. and Hemdal, J.F. 2000.

Six new host records and an updated list of wild hosts for Neobenedenia melleni

(MacCallum) (Monogenea: Capsalidae). Comparative Parasitology 67(2):190-196



Hemdal, J.F. 2000. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Third edition. American Zoo

and Aquarium Association / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2000. Aquarium myths. Aquarium Fish 12(5):46-55.



—— 2000. Aquarium temperature reduction using a thermostatically-controlled fan. Drum and Croaker 31(1):29-30.



—— 1999. The Deep-Sea Isopod, Bathynomus giganteus.. Tropical Fish Hobbyist 48(7):46- 48.



—— 1999. Electric fishes. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 22(12):200-202.



—— 1999. Raising mysid shrimp as a home aquarium food. SeaScope 16:1-4.



—— 1999. Garden eels. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 22(11):215-220.



—— 1999. The African tigerfish, Hydrocynus vittatus Castelnau, 1861. Tropical Fish

Hobbyist 48(1):90-92.



—— 1999. Diving the Galapagos 1998: Post - El Nino. Freshwater and Marine

Aquarium 22(6):30-34.



—— 1999. Culturing the mysid shrimp, Mysidopsis bahia as an aquarium food. Drum and Croaker 30(1):14-16.



—— 1999. Getting a charge out of electric fish. Safari 7(1):10-11.



—— 1998. The renovation of a public aquarium exhibit. Freshwater and Marine

Aquarium 21(12):166-173.



—— 1998. Aquatic specimen acquisition and inventory methods: a survey of AZA

accredited zoos and aquariums. Drum and Croaker 29(1):21-24.



—— 1997. The red-rimmed batfish - revisited. Aquarium Frontiers On-Line September 1997 http://www.petchannel.com/aqfm/1997/sep/features/1/index.htm



Mohan, P., Hemdal. J.F., and Loiselle, P. 1997. Tropical lunkers. Aquarium Fish 9(7):60-65.



Hemdal, J.F. 1997. A professional aquarist. Aquarium Frontiers 5/6:38-39.



—— 1997. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Second edition. American Zoo and

Aquarium Association / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 1996. The natural reef tank. Aquarium Fish 8(12):78-83.



—— 1996. The nitrate myth. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 19(11):166.



—— 1996. Butterfly: What's in a name? Safari 4(2):4.



—— 1996. As the fish breathes. Aquarium Fish 8(1):70-76.



—— 1995. Using the Hach DR/2000 spectrophotometer to determine the relative water

clarity of aquarium systems. Drum and Croaker 26(2):11-13.



—— 1995. Fish to avoid Part 2. Aquarium Fish 7(8):48-59.



—— 1995. Fish to avoid Part 1. Aquarium Fish 7(7):58-65.



Hemdal, J.F., McAndrews, R. 1995. A basic husbandry guide for Victorian cichlids. Today's

Aquarist 6(2):10-13.



Hemdal, J.F., 1994. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. American Zoo and Aquarium

Association / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 1994. Fish mass determination. Aquarium Fish 6(7):54-58.



—— 1994. Flowers of the Sea: The sea anemone. Safari 2(4):4.



—— 1993. Preparing material for aquarist publications. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium

16(11):164-166.



—— 1993. Sea turtles: The Toledo Zoo's release program. Safari 1(3):4.



—— 1993. A report on the Lake Victorian cichlid symposium. Tropic Tank Talk, Greater

Detroit Aquarium Society 36(6):24-28.



—— 1993. Water volume in aquarium gravel. Drum and Croaker 24(1):41.



Hemdal, J.F., Scafidi, L. 1993. Simple aquarium water analysis for total aerobic bacteria. Drum and Croaker 24(1):17-20.



Hemdal, J.F. , 1992. Captive husbandry of the flashlight fish, Anomalops katoptron. Journal of Aquariculture and Aquatic Sciences 6(2):55-57.



—— 1992. The use of calcium hydroxide to control Aiptasia anemones. Freshwater and

Marine Aquarium 15(4):122.



—— 1992. Quarantine protocols. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 15(3):182-201.



—— 1992. Reduction of ozone oxidants in synthetic seawater by use of sodium thiosulfate.

Progressive Fish-Culturist 54(1):54-56.



—— 1991. Observed predation of zebra mussels by round gobies in captivity. Today's

Aquarist 4(11):3-4.



—— 1991. Sargassum communities. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 14(10).



—— 1991. Lightning bugs of the sea. Safari 7(1):3.



—— 1991. Animals to avoid. Aquarium Fish 3(7):36-41.



—— 1991. Starting right with marines Part 2. Aquarium Fish 3(6).



—— 1991. Starting right with marines Part 1. Aquarium Fish 3(5).



—— 1990. The curious seahorse. Safari 6(1):8.



—— 1990. Captive rearing of the zebra mussel, Dressenia polymorpha. Drum and Croaker

23(2):6-8.



—— 1990. Diagnostic bath procedures. Drum and Croaker 22(4):2‑3.



—— 1990. The making of a hobbyist. Aquarium Fish 3(1):40.



—— 1990. Collecting specimens for the John G. Shedd Aquarium. Tropical Fish Hobbyist

38(9).



—— 1989. Computer applications for home aquaria. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium

13(5).



—— 1989. High hats. Tropical Fish Hobbyist 37(9):78‑83.



—— 1989. Mimicry in marine fishes. SeaScope 6:2‑3.



—— 1989. A reported case of head and lateral line erosion (HLLE), potentially caused by

a bacterial infection in a marine angelfish - Pomacanthus semicirculatus. Drum and

Croaker 22(3):2‑3



—— 1989. Small marine aquariums. Aquarium Fish 2(2):52‑59.



—— 1989. Marine angelfish: color and style. Aquarium Fish 1(6):15‑20.



—— 1989. Saltwater fish: ten great choices. Aquarium Fish 1(4):18‑24.



—— 1989. Behind the scenes of the John G. Shedd Aquarium part 2. Freshwater and

Marine Aquarium 12(4):42.



—— 1989. Behind the scenes of the John G. Shedd Aquarium part 1. Freshwater and

Marine Aquarium 12(3):46.



—— 1988. Saltwater fish and invertebrates. Aquarium Fish 1(2):21‑25.



—— 1988. Marine biotopes. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 11(10):32.



—— 1988. Diagnostic key for marine aquarium problems. Freshwater and Marine

Aquarium 11(8):67.



—— 1988. Mathematical formulas for home aquariums. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium

11(7):42.



—— 1988. Fishes for the home miniature reef. SeaScope 5:1.



—— 1988. A biological laboratory for your home. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium

11(1):98.



—— 1987. Decorating around the aquarium. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 10(11):68.



—— 1987. The ethics of tropical fish keeping. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 10(3):22.



—— 1987 Careers in marine biology. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 10(2):66.



Hemdal, J.F., Kenney, S. 1987. A horse of a different color. SeaScope 4:1.



Hemdal, J.F., 1986. The flashlight fish. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 9(11):29.



—— 1986. The banded catshark. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 9(6):36.



—— 1985. The ribbon eel, Rhinomuraena quaesita. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium

9(2):62.



—— 1985. Caribbean basslets. Tropical Fish Hobbyist 34(4):40.



—— 1985. Chaetodontoplus personifer. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 8(11):74.



—— 1985. The remora (Echeneis naucrates). Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 8(11):35.



—— 1985. The pinnatus batfish: force feeding. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 8(10):18.



—— 1985. The fintastic lionfish. SeaScope 2:1.



—— 1985. The black angelfish. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 8(5):88.



—— 1985. Pomacentrids of the Atlantic. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 8(4):46.



—— 1984. Holding capacity of marine aquariums. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium

8(2):17.



—— 1984. A miniature ocean. SeaScope 1:1.



—— 1984. Shrimp of the Caribbean. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 7(9):81.



—— 1984. In defense of current marine fish prices. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium

7(12):56.



—— 1983. Starting an aquarium maintenance service. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium

6(11):12.



—— 1983. Selecting healthy marine specimens. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 6(7):19.



—— 1981. Reverse flow. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 4(12):57.



—— 1981. Energy in the marine aquarium. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 4(11):20.



—— 1981. Sharks in the marine aquarium. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 4(10):10.

 

[larrysaltisfun]

Hey Jay, does ammonia bound copper Make the 2 .25-2.5 goal less reliable if there’s .5 ammonia in the water?

Sorry - not sure what you mean? The 2.25 goal is still important, it's just that if you are worried about ammonia levels in a QT, you need to discount/subtract the 0.50 ppm from the copper before worrying about ammonia.

So if you had .5 ammonia in the tank do you want your copper to be 2.25 or 2.75?

 

[larrysaltisfun]

Then you should say “based on my experience” not purport to be the authority. Paul B doesn’t QT and his way is no less valid.

O.K., I asked politely why you still want to get into this with me after you said you were "done". You keep bringing up my credentials. What If I post my publications list for you? The six books that I've written are sort of just in this mix below, and I have four peer-reviewed papers that are in the pipeline now (but I was just a co-author on those)

​

Bock, S. L., K.Lyons, L.Yang, et al. 2026. Genome-Wide DNA Methylation Patterns Predict Age in the Zebra Shark (Stegostoma tigrinum) and Provide Insight Into the Evolution of Vertebrate Aging. Molecular Ecology35, no. 7: e70326. https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.70326.



Hemdal, J.F. 2026. Unknown Vesicle Disease (UVD). Drum and Croaker, Volume 57: 82-85 http://drumandcroaker.org/pdf/2026v57.pdf



Hemdal, J.F., et-al, 2025. Japanese Spider Crab Care Manual, Second Edition. AZA Aquatic Invertebrate Taxon Advisory Group. Silver Spring, MD: Association of Zoos and Aquariums.



Hemdal, J.F. 2024. Using Zims Data to Develop Average Longevity Values. Drum and Croaker, Volume 55: 115-117, 2024 http://drumandcroaker.org/pdf/2024v2.pdf



—— 2022. Crustacean Invasion: Parasitic copepods and isopods. Coral: 20(2):98-104



—— 2022. Diseases Of Aquarium Animals - Therapy, Science and Philosophy. 284 pp. Reef-2-Reef Publication.



—— 2021. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Twenty first edition. Association of Zoos and Aquariums / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2020. Selecting and Adding Healthy Fish to the Marine Aquarium. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine 69(Sep/Oct):74-78



—— 2020. Quarantine Procedures for Marine Fishes. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine 67(May/June)



—— 2020. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Twentieth edition. Association of Zoos and Aquariums / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2019. Breathe Easy – Using Fish Respiration Rates to Determine Relative Stress Levels in Fish. Coral 16(4):104-111



—— 2019. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Nineteenth edition. Association of Zoos and Aquariums / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2018. Incoming! How a public aquarium makes a special livestock acquisition. Coral 15(3):106-110



—— 2018. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Eighteenth edition. Association of Zoos and Aquariums / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2018. CO2 – A Guide to Carbon Dioxide in Aquariums. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine 66(Jan/Feb):68



Haddix, K., Hemdal, J.F. 2017. Wet hands in the world beneath the waves. Safari Vol. 26(2):4-5



Hemdal, J.F. 2017. First Aid is Best! Coral 14(2):58



—— 2017. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Seventeenth edition. Association of Zoos and Aquariums / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2017. Building a Home Aquarium Library. Reef to Rainforest web site: https://www.reef2rainforest.com/2017/05/01/building-a-home-aquarium-reference-library/



—— 2017. Flashlight Fishes. Coral 14(1):54-64



Hemdal, J.F. 2016. Fin Rot in Aquarium Fishes. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine 64(Nov/Dec):36



Hemdal, J.F. 2016. Bonnethead Shark Pups Born at Toledo Zoo & Aquarium. Reef to Rainforest web site: http://www.reef2rainforest.com/2016/11/30/bonnethead-shark-pups-born-at-toledo-zoo-aquarium/



—— 2016. Sustainability in the Trade. Reefs Online Magazine, Fall 2016 https://reefs.com/magazine/sustainability-in-the-trade-191.html/



—— 2016. The Red Banded Lobster, Justitia longimanus. Coral 13(4):26-28



—— 2016. Evaluating Synthetic Sea Salts. Reefs Online Magazine, Spring 2016 https://reefs.com/magazine/evaluating-synthetic-sea-salts-184.html/



—— 2016. A Guide to the Palette Surgeonfish, Paracanthurus hepatus. Coral 13(3):18-28. Feature article and cover photo



—— 2016. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Sixteenth edition. Association of Zoos and Aquariums / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2016. Captive Bred Yellow Tangs – Showing HLLE? Reef to Rainforest web site: http://www.reef2rainforest.com/2016/03/12/captive-bred-yellow-tangs-showing-hlle/



—— 2016. What’s in a Name? Reef to Rainforest web site: http://www.reef2rainforest.com/2016/03/11/whats-in-a-name/



—— 2016. Incoming! – A Japanese animal importation. Safari 25(1): 10-11



Hemdal, J.F. 2016. Aquarium Careers, 3rd edition. 180pp. Createspace, Middletown, DE ISBN: 9781522899815.



Hemdal, J.F. 2015. The Essential Aquarium, aka #HemdalTip. Reef to Rainforest web site: http://www.reef2rainforest.com/2015/12/24/the-essential-aquarium-aka-hemdaltip/



Haddix, K., Hemdal, J.F., Payeff, R. 2015. [B#HemdalTipory – Toledo Zoo’s Reimagined Aquarium.[/B] AZA Connect November 2015 p.32-39



Hemdal, J.F. 2015. Try Jellin’ – Jellyfish for home aquariums. 2016 Marine Fish and Reef Annual. Vol. 18: 40-46



Hemdal, J.F. 2015. Pacific Sea Nettles – Nestle their way into our hearts. Safari 24(2): 7-8



—— 2015. Pacific Sea Nettles – Rock Stars of the Public Aquarium World. Coral 12(3):54-57



Schaeffer, J. 2015. Q&A: Interview with Jay Hemdal, Toledo Zoo Fish Curator. Fisheries, 40: 252-255. https://doi.org/10.1080/03632415.2015.1037667



—— 2015. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Fifteenth edition. Association of Zoos and Aquariums / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2015. Aquarium Inventions. Reef to Rainforest web site: http://www.reef2rainforest.com/2015/06/16/aquarium-inventions/



—— 2015. The Renovation of the Toledo Zoo Aquarium. Reef to Rainforest web site: http://www.reef2rainforest.com/2015/06/01/the-renovation-of-the-toledo-zoo-aquarium/



—— 2015. Toledo Zoo Aquarium Renovation. 15-part series. Saltwater Smarts web site: http://www.saltwatersmarts.com/toledo-zoo-aquarium-renovation/



—— 2015. The Salt Smart Guide to Preventing, Diagnosing, and Treating Diseases of Marine Fishes. 171 pp. Saltwater Smarts Publications. Toledo, Ohio.



—— 2015. Aquatic-Focused Experimental Learning. Drum and Croaker, Volume 46, 2015



Hemdal, J.F. 2014. Aquatic-Focused Experiential Learning at the Toledo Zoo. Reef to Rainforest web site: http://www.reef2rainforest.com/2014/12/15/aquatic-focused-experiential-learning-at-the-toledo-zoo/



Hemdal, J.F., et-al, 2014. Japanese Spider Crab Care Manual. AZA Aquatic Invertebrate Taxon Advisory Group. Silver Spring, MD: Association of Zoos and Aquariums.



—— 2014. Aquarium Renovation Project at the Toledo Zoo. Advanced Aquarist, Volume XIII December 2014 http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2014/12/aquarium



—— 2014. Species Globalization. Coral 11(6):116-129



—— 2014. 10 Easy Reef Residents. Marine Fish and Reef 2015 Annual. Volume 17:6-18



Hemdal, J.F., Delbeek, J.C., Terrel, R. 2014 Giant Freshwater Fishes: Caveats and Comments. Amazonas, Volume 3:9-13 November/December 2014



Hemdal, J.F. 2014. Viral Diseases of Aquarium Fishes. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine 62(12):46-55



—— 2014. Disaster Preparedness for Aquariums. Coral & Reef USA 2015 Annual. Volume 4:106-113



—— 2014. Your First Aquarium. 112pp T.F.H. Publications, Neptune City, N.J.



—— 2014. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Fourteenth edition. Association of Zoos and Aquariums / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2013. Which lights for me? Marine Fish and Reef 2014 Annual. Volume 16:62-69



Hemdal, J.F. & York, K. 2013. Aquarium Renovation Project at the Toledo Zoo. SeaScope. Volume 29:2



Hemdal, J.F. 2013. Do You Nano? Coral & Reef USA Volume 3:76-83



—— 2013. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Thirteenth edition. Association of Zoos and Aquariums / Toledo Zoo publication.



Hemdal, J. & McMullin, E. 2013. Husbandry of a Lake Victoria cichlid, the Pitch-black fulu Haplochromis piceatus, in public aquariums: a 20-year retrospective. International Zoo Yearbook 47. DOI: 10.1111/izy.12012



Hemdal, J.F. 2013. Chloroquine: A "New" Drug for Treating Fish Diseases. Advanced Aquarist’s Online Magazine. 12(2): http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2013/2/fish



Hemdal, J.F. 2012. Something to see – the flashlight fishes. Aquarium Fish International 24(8):80-88



Tlusty, M.F., Rhyne, A.K., Kaufman, L, Hutchins, M., McGregor Reid, G., Andrews, C., Boyle, P., Hemdal, J.F., McGilvray, F., Dowd, S. 2012. Opportunities for Public Aquariums to Increase the Sustainability of the Aquatic Animal Trade. Zoo Biology 00: 1–19 (2012)



Hemdal, J.F., Loiselle, P.V. 2012. The Endangered Cichlid Fishes of Lake Victoria. Amazonas May/June 50-59



Hemdal, J.F. 2012. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Twelfth edition. Association of Zoos and Aquariums / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2012. Acclimating Animals to Aquariums Part 2. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine 60(8):77-80



—— 2012. Acclimating Animals to Aquariums Part 1. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine 60(7):56-60



—— 2012. Coral and Invertebrate Quarantine. Aquarium Fish International 24(4):42-47



—— 2012. Underwater Photography in Aquariums. Drum and Croaker. Volume 43, January 2012,



Gardner, T., Hemdal, J.F. 2011. Captive Propagation of the Boarfish. Reefs Online Magazine. Fall 2011 http://www.reefsmagazine.com/forum/reefs-magazine/111408-captive-propagation-boarfish.html



Hemdal, J.F. Odum, R.A. 2011. The Role of Activated Lignite Carbon in the Development of Head and Lateral Line Erosion in the Ocean Surgeonfish. North American Journal of Aquaculture 73:4, 489-492



Hemdal, J.F. 2011. Light up their world – dramatic lighting for aquariums. Marine Fish & Reef 2012 Annual 14(1):43-51



—— 2011. Swimming Spaces. Aquarium Fish International 23(11):52-59



—— 2011. HLLE and a smoking gun. Coral 8(4):90-95



—— 2011. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Eleventh edition. Association of Zoos and Aquariums / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2011. Aquarium Keeping and the Law. Aquarium Fish International 23(4):106-113



—— 2010. Six Great Reef Fishes You Should Know. Marine Fish & Reef 2011 Annual 13(1):96-105



—— 2010. HLLE and Activated Carbon: Looking for a Link. Coral Magazine 7(3):12-14



—— 2010. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Tenth edition. Association of Zoos and Aquariums / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2010. The Cherry Anthias: Sacura margaritacea. Advanced Aquarist’s Online Magazine 9(4): http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2010/4/fish



—— 2010. The 'Eyes' Have it: A Review of Eye Health in Aquarium Fishes. Advanced Aquarist’s Online Magazine 9(3): http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2010/3/fish



—— 2010. Refinement of a Technique for Remote Measurement of Captive Fishes Using Parallel Lasers. Drum and Croaker. Volume 41, 2010.



—— 2010. Red Band Syndrome. Aquarium Fish International 22(1):26-30



—— 2009. Mortality Rates of Fishes in Captivity. Advanced Aquarist’s Online Magazine. 8(12): http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2009/12/fish2



—— 2009. A Soft Spot for Softies (Soft Corals). Marine Fish and Reef USA 2010 Annual

Vol. 12:86-95



—— 2009. An Evaluation of Current Aquarium-related Conservation Efforts. Advanced Aquarist’s Online Magazine. 8(9): http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2009/9/aafeature



—— 2009. For Good Measure - Calculating the Swimming Space Requirements for Fishes in Aquariums. Practical Fishkeeping Magazine. Issue 7, July, 2009



—— 2009. Aquarium Fishes of the Tropical Eastern Atlantic Ocean. Advanced Aquarist’s Online Magazine. 8(6): http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2009/6/fish



—— 2009. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Ninth edition. Association of Zoos and Aquariums / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2009. Leapin’ Leopoldi’s! Safari 18(2):7



—— 2009. The Regal Tang. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 32(6):42-52



—— 2009. Leafcutter Ants: Gardeners of the Insect World. Safari 18(1):10-11



—— 2008. Mini-Aquariums. 144p. BowTie Press, Laguna Hills, California



—— 2008. Information Resources for Home Aquarists. Advanced Aquarist’s Online Magazine. 7(12): http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2008/12/review2



—— 2008. Micro-Ecosystems. Advanced Aquarist’s Online Magazine. 7(9): http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2008/9/aafeature3



—— 2008. Salinity Measurements for Marine Aquariums. Tropical Fish Hobbyist 57(2):108-112



—— 2008. Emergency Protocols for Home Aquariums. Advanced Aquarist’s Online Magazine. 7(4): http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2008/4/aafeature1



—— 2008. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Eighth edition. Association of Zoos and Aquariums / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2008. Diversity in Aquarium Collections. Drum and Croaker. 39(1):81-85



—— 2007. Bugs as Pets. 112p. TFH Publications, Neptune City, New Jersey



—— 2007. Chronic Anorexia in Aquarium Fishes. Advanced Aquarist’s Online Magazine. 6(12): http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2007/12/



—— 2007. Antique Fish Prints as Fine Art. Advanced Aquarist’s Online Magazine. 6(5): http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2007/5/



—— 2007. Captive Observations of the Mimic Octopus, Thaumoctopus mimicus. Advanced Aquarist’s Online Magazine. 6(4): http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2007/4/



—— 2007. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Seventh edition. American Zoo

and Aquarium Association / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2007. Home-Bred Seahorses. Marine Fish and Reef USA Annual 9(1):92-101



—— 2006. The Dressy – Sometimes Delicate – Harlequin Tuskfish. Aquarium Fish 18(12):94-97



—— 2006. The Filefish (aka Leatherjackets). Aquarium Fish 18(9):82-88



—— 2006. Captive Propagation Preferred. Aquarium Fish 18(8):24-34



—— 2006. The Magnificent blue-striped Angelfish, Chaetodontoplus septentrionalis. Tropical Fish Hobbyist 54(11):126-130



—— 2006. Advanced Marine Aquarium Techniques. 352pp. TFH publications, Neptune City, New Jersey



—— 2006. The Porkfish, Anisotremus virginicus. Aquarium Fish 18(5):



—— 2006. Aquarists and the Endangered Cichlid Fishes of Lake Victoria, Africa. AZA Communiqué March 2006 p.50-52



Hemdal, J.F., Cypher, J. 2006. Crustacean Nation. Marine Fish and Reef USA Annual 8(1):78-85



Koldewey, H. editor, et-al .2005. Syngnathid Husbandry in Public Aquariums. Macrorhamphosus species section. p. 108 – 110.



Hemdal, J.F. 2005. The dragons from down under. Safari 13(2):9-10



—— 2005. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Sixth edition. American Zoo

and Aquarium Association / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2004. Home aquarium fish you shouldn’t bring home – and why. Safari 12(4):4-5



Hemdal, J.F., Kurtz, J. 2004. Personality-Packed Puffers. Marine Fish and Reef USA Annual 7(1):68-81



Hemdal, J.F. 2004. The weedy scorpionfish: great – not grotesque! Aquarium Fish

16(8):54-59



—— 2004. Work among fishes. Aquarium Fish 16(4):50-58



—— 2004. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Fifth edition. American Zoo

and Aquarium Association / Toledo Zoo publication.



Hemdal, J.F., Kurtz, J. 2003. Basslets: the peaceful groupers. Marine Fish and Reef USA Annual 6(1):92-99



Hemdal, J.F. 2003. Batfish and spadefish. Aquarium Fish 15(12):36-48



—— 2003. Food for thought. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 26(9):171-174



—— 2003. Aquarium humor. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 26(8):13



—— 2003. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Fourth edition. American Zoo

and Aquarium Association / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2003. Temperate Australian marine fishes. Safari 11(1):10-11



—— 2003. Head and lateral line erosion. Aquarium Fish 15(4):28-35



—— 2003. Mineral balance. Aquarium Fish 15(4):54-59



—— 2003. Propagation of the Pirate Perch, Aphredoderus sayanus, an Extirpated Fish in Ohio, at the Toledo Zoo. American Currents 29(1)9-10



—— 2003. Aquarium fish breeding. 169pp. Barron’s Educational Series. Hauppauge, New York



—— 2002. The Black Widow Brotula Stygnobrotula latebricola. Freshwater and Marine

Aquarium 25(12):154-168



—— 2002. Fish necropsy techniques. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 25(11):126-130



—— 2002. The Pirate perch Aphredoderus sayanus. Safari 10(2):13



—— 2002. Aquarium tricks. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 25(5):196-202



Hemdal, J.F., Ottney, C. 2002. Garden pools. Safari 10(1):10



Hemdal, J.F. 2001. Tube feeding techniques for fish. Freshwater and Marine

Aquarium 24(12): 50-58



—— 2001. Aquarium careers. 126 pp. iUniverse publishers. Lincoln, NE



—— 2001. The use of ozone in marine aquarium systems. Freshwater and Marine

Aquarium 24(5):124-128



Chandler, M., Hemdal, J.F., Bailey, S.L. 2001. The Lake Victoria Haplochromine – AZA’s

first fish SSP. AZA Communiqué March 2001



Hemdal, J.F. 2001. Increased visitor residency time at a renovated aquarium exhibit.

Drum & Croaker 32 (1):18-19



—— 2000. (Un)Sustainable marine fisheries. Safari 8 (3):10-11



—— 2000. Temperate Australian marine fishes. Aquarium Fish 12(10):44-48



—— 2000. Aquarium problem solving. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium

23(5):108-118



Bullard, S.A., Benz, G.W., Overstreet, R.M., Williams Jr., E.H. and Hemdal, J.F. 2000.

Six new host records and an updated list of wild hosts for Neobenedenia melleni

(MacCallum) (Monogenea: Capsalidae). Comparative Parasitology 67(2):190-196



Hemdal, J.F. 2000. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Third edition. American Zoo

and Aquarium Association / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2000. Aquarium myths. Aquarium Fish 12(5):46-55.



—— 2000. Aquarium temperature reduction using a thermostatically-controlled fan. Drum and Croaker 31(1):29-30.



—— 1999. The Deep-Sea Isopod, Bathynomus giganteus.. Tropical Fish Hobbyist 48(7):46- 48.



—— 1999. Electric fishes. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 22(12):200-202.



—— 1999. Raising mysid shrimp as a home aquarium food. SeaScope 16:1-4.



—— 1999. Garden eels. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 22(11):215-220.



—— 1999. The African tigerfish, Hydrocynus vittatus Castelnau, 1861. Tropical Fish

Hobbyist 48(1):90-92.



—— 1999. Diving the Galapagos 1998: Post - El Nino. Freshwater and Marine

Aquarium 22(6):30-34.



—— 1999. Culturing the mysid shrimp, Mysidopsis bahia as an aquarium food. Drum and Croaker 30(1):14-16.



—— 1999. Getting a charge out of electric fish. Safari 7(1):10-11.



—— 1998. The renovation of a public aquarium exhibit. Freshwater and Marine

Aquarium 21(12):166-173.



—— 1998. Aquatic specimen acquisition and inventory methods: a survey of AZA

accredited zoos and aquariums. Drum and Croaker 29(1):21-24.



—— 1997. The red-rimmed batfish - revisited. Aquarium Frontiers On-Line September 1997 http://www.petchannel.com/aqfm/1997/sep/features/1/index.htm



Mohan, P., Hemdal. J.F., and Loiselle, P. 1997. Tropical lunkers. Aquarium Fish 9(7):60-65.



Hemdal, J.F. 1997. A professional aquarist. Aquarium Frontiers 5/6:38-39.



—— 1997. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Second edition. American Zoo and

Aquarium Association / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 1996. The natural reef tank. Aquarium Fish 8(12):78-83.



—— 1996. The nitrate myth. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 19(11):166.



—— 1996. Butterfly: What's in a name? Safari 4(2):4.



—— 1996. As the fish breathes. Aquarium Fish 8(1):70-76.



—— 1995. Using the Hach DR/2000 spectrophotometer to determine the relative water

clarity of aquarium systems. Drum and Croaker 26(2):11-13.



—— 1995. Fish to avoid Part 2. Aquarium Fish 7(8):48-59.



—— 1995. Fish to avoid Part 1. Aquarium Fish 7(7):58-65.



Hemdal, J.F., McAndrews, R. 1995. A basic husbandry guide for Victorian cichlids. Today's

Aquarist 6(2):10-13.



Hemdal, J.F., 1994. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. American Zoo and Aquarium

Association / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 1994. Fish mass determination. Aquarium Fish 6(7):54-58.



—— 1994. Flowers of the Sea: The sea anemone. Safari 2(4):4.



—— 1993. Preparing material for aquarist publications. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium

16(11):164-166.



—— 1993. Sea turtles: The Toledo Zoo's release program. Safari 1(3):4.



—— 1993. A report on the Lake Victorian cichlid symposium. Tropic Tank Talk, Greater

Detroit Aquarium Society 36(6):24-28.



—— 1993. Water volume in aquarium gravel. Drum and Croaker 24(1):41.



Hemdal, J.F., Scafidi, L. 1993. Simple aquarium water analysis for total aerobic bacteria. Drum and Croaker 24(1):17-20.



Hemdal, J.F. , 1992. Captive husbandry of the flashlight fish, Anomalops katoptron. Journal of Aquariculture and Aquatic Sciences 6(2):55-57.



—— 1992. The use of calcium hydroxide to control Aiptasia anemones. Freshwater and

Marine Aquarium 15(4):122.



—— 1992. Quarantine protocols. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 15(3):182-201.



—— 1992. Reduction of ozone oxidants in synthetic seawater by use of sodium thiosulfate.

Progressive Fish-Culturist 54(1):54-56.



—— 1991. Observed predation of zebra mussels by round gobies in captivity. Today's

Aquarist 4(11):3-4.



—— 1991. Sargassum communities. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 14(10).



—— 1991. Lightning bugs of the sea. Safari 7(1):3.



—— 1991. Animals to avoid. Aquarium Fish 3(7):36-41.



—— 1991. Starting right with marines Part 2. Aquarium Fish 3(6).



—— 1991. Starting right with marines Part 1. Aquarium Fish 3(5).



—— 1990. The curious seahorse. Safari 6(1):8.



—— 1990. Captive rearing of the zebra mussel, Dressenia polymorpha. Drum and Croaker

23(2):6-8.



—— 1990. Diagnostic bath procedures. Drum and Croaker 22(4):2‑3.



—— 1990. The making of a hobbyist. Aquarium Fish 3(1):40.



—— 1990. Collecting specimens for the John G. Shedd Aquarium. Tropical Fish Hobbyist

38(9).



—— 1989. Computer applications for home aquaria. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium

13(5).



—— 1989. High hats. Tropical Fish Hobbyist 37(9):78‑83.



—— 1989. Mimicry in marine fishes. SeaScope 6:2‑3.



—— 1989. A reported case of head and lateral line erosion (HLLE), potentially caused by

a bacterial infection in a marine angelfish - Pomacanthus semicirculatus. Drum and

Croaker 22(3):2‑3



—— 1989. Small marine aquariums. Aquarium Fish 2(2):52‑59.



—— 1989. Marine angelfish: color and style. Aquarium Fish 1(6):15‑20.



—— 1989. Saltwater fish: ten great choices. Aquarium Fish 1(4):18‑24.



—— 1989. Behind the scenes of the John G. Shedd Aquarium part 2. Freshwater and

Marine Aquarium 12(4):42.



—— 1989. Behind the scenes of the John G. Shedd Aquarium part 1. Freshwater and

Marine Aquarium 12(3):46.



—— 1988. Saltwater fish and invertebrates. Aquarium Fish 1(2):21‑25.



—— 1988. Marine biotopes. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 11(10):32.



—— 1988. Diagnostic key for marine aquarium problems. Freshwater and Marine

Aquarium 11(8):67.



—— 1988. Mathematical formulas for home aquariums. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium

11(7):42.



—— 1988. Fishes for the home miniature reef. SeaScope 5:1.



—— 1988. A biological laboratory for your home. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium

11(1):98.



—— 1987. Decorating around the aquarium. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 10(11):68.



—— 1987. The ethics of tropical fish keeping. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 10(3):22.



—— 1987 Careers in marine biology. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 10(2):66.



Hemdal, J.F., Kenney, S. 1987. A horse of a different color. SeaScope 4:1.



Hemdal, J.F., 1986. The flashlight fish. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 9(11):29.



—— 1986. The banded catshark. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 9(6):36.



—— 1985. The ribbon eel, Rhinomuraena quaesita. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium

9(2):62.



—— 1985. Caribbean basslets. Tropical Fish Hobbyist 34(4):40.



—— 1985. Chaetodontoplus personifer. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 8(11):74.



—— 1985. The remora (Echeneis naucrates). Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 8(11):35.



—— 1985. The pinnatus batfish: force feeding. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 8(10):18.



—— 1985. The fintastic lionfish. SeaScope 2:1.



—— 1985. The black angelfish. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 8(5):88.



—— 1985. Pomacentrids of the Atlantic. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 8(4):46.



—— 1984. Holding capacity of marine aquariums. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium

8(2):17.



—— 1984. A miniature ocean. SeaScope 1:1.



—— 1984. Shrimp of the Caribbean. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 7(9):81.



—— 1984. In defense of current marine fish prices. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium

7(12):56.



—— 1983. Starting an aquarium maintenance service. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium

6(11):12.



—— 1983. Selecting healthy marine specimens. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 6(7):19.



—— 1981. Reverse flow. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 4(12):57.



—— 1981. Energy in the marine aquarium. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 4(11):20.



—— 1981. Sharks in the marine aquarium. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 4(10):10.

Always…. Team Jay Hemdal… thank you so much for your contributions to this site and my fish tanks….

 

[13rodo]

O.K., I asked politely why you still want to get into this with me after you said you were "done". You keep bringing up my credentials. What If I post my publications list for you? The six books that I've written are sort of just in this mix below, and I have four peer-reviewed papers that are in the pipeline now (but I was just a co-author on those)

​

Bock, S. L., K.Lyons, L.Yang, et al. 2026. Genome-Wide DNA Methylation Patterns Predict Age in the Zebra Shark (Stegostoma tigrinum) and Provide Insight Into the Evolution of Vertebrate Aging. Molecular Ecology35, no. 7: e70326. https://doi.org/10.1111/mec.70326.



Hemdal, J.F. 2026. Unknown Vesicle Disease (UVD). Drum and Croaker, Volume 57: 82-85 http://drumandcroaker.org/pdf/2026v57.pdf



Hemdal, J.F., et-al, 2025. Japanese Spider Crab Care Manual, Second Edition. AZA Aquatic Invertebrate Taxon Advisory Group. Silver Spring, MD: Association of Zoos and Aquariums.



Hemdal, J.F. 2024. Using Zims Data to Develop Average Longevity Values. Drum and Croaker, Volume 55: 115-117, 2024 http://drumandcroaker.org/pdf/2024v2.pdf



—— 2022. Crustacean Invasion: Parasitic copepods and isopods. Coral: 20(2):98-104



—— 2022. Diseases Of Aquarium Animals - Therapy, Science and Philosophy. 284 pp. Reef-2-Reef Publication.



—— 2021. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Twenty first edition. Association of Zoos and Aquariums / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2020. Selecting and Adding Healthy Fish to the Marine Aquarium. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine 69(Sep/Oct):74-78



—— 2020. Quarantine Procedures for Marine Fishes. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine 67(May/June)



—— 2020. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Twentieth edition. Association of Zoos and Aquariums / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2019. Breathe Easy – Using Fish Respiration Rates to Determine Relative Stress Levels in Fish. Coral 16(4):104-111



—— 2019. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Nineteenth edition. Association of Zoos and Aquariums / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2018. Incoming! How a public aquarium makes a special livestock acquisition. Coral 15(3):106-110



—— 2018. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Eighteenth edition. Association of Zoos and Aquariums / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2018. CO2 – A Guide to Carbon Dioxide in Aquariums. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine 66(Jan/Feb):68



Haddix, K., Hemdal, J.F. 2017. Wet hands in the world beneath the waves. Safari Vol. 26(2):4-5



Hemdal, J.F. 2017. First Aid is Best! Coral 14(2):58



—— 2017. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Seventeenth edition. Association of Zoos and Aquariums / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2017. Building a Home Aquarium Library. Reef to Rainforest web site: https://www.reef2rainforest.com/2017/05/01/building-a-home-aquarium-reference-library/



—— 2017. Flashlight Fishes. Coral 14(1):54-64



Hemdal, J.F. 2016. Fin Rot in Aquarium Fishes. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine 64(Nov/Dec):36



Hemdal, J.F. 2016. Bonnethead Shark Pups Born at Toledo Zoo & Aquarium. Reef to Rainforest web site: http://www.reef2rainforest.com/2016/11/30/bonnethead-shark-pups-born-at-toledo-zoo-aquarium/



—— 2016. Sustainability in the Trade. Reefs Online Magazine, Fall 2016 https://reefs.com/magazine/sustainability-in-the-trade-191.html/



—— 2016. The Red Banded Lobster, Justitia longimanus. Coral 13(4):26-28



—— 2016. Evaluating Synthetic Sea Salts. Reefs Online Magazine, Spring 2016 https://reefs.com/magazine/evaluating-synthetic-sea-salts-184.html/



—— 2016. A Guide to the Palette Surgeonfish, Paracanthurus hepatus. Coral 13(3):18-28. Feature article and cover photo



—— 2016. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Sixteenth edition. Association of Zoos and Aquariums / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2016. Captive Bred Yellow Tangs – Showing HLLE? Reef to Rainforest web site: http://www.reef2rainforest.com/2016/03/12/captive-bred-yellow-tangs-showing-hlle/



—— 2016. What’s in a Name? Reef to Rainforest web site: http://www.reef2rainforest.com/2016/03/11/whats-in-a-name/



—— 2016. Incoming! – A Japanese animal importation. Safari 25(1): 10-11



Hemdal, J.F. 2016. Aquarium Careers, 3rd edition. 180pp. Createspace, Middletown, DE ISBN: 9781522899815.



Hemdal, J.F. 2015. The Essential Aquarium, aka #HemdalTip. Reef to Rainforest web site: http://www.reef2rainforest.com/2015/12/24/the-essential-aquarium-aka-hemdaltip/



Haddix, K., Hemdal, J.F., Payeff, R. 2015. [B#HemdalTipg History – Toledo Zoo’s Reimagined Aquarium.[/B] AZA Connect November 2015 p.32-39



Hemdal, J.F. 2015. Try Jellin’ – Jellyfish for home aquariums. 2016 Marine Fish and Reef Annual. Vol. 18: 40-46



Hemdal, J.F. 2015. Pacific Sea Nettles – Nestle their way into our hearts. Safari 24(2): 7-8



—— 2015. Pacific Sea Nettles – Rock Stars of the Public Aquarium World. Coral 12(3):54-57



Schaeffer, J. 2015. Q&A: Interview with Jay Hemdal, Toledo Zoo Fish Curator. Fisheries, 40: 252-255. https://doi.org/10.1080/03632415.2015.1037667



—— 2015. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Fifteenth edition. Association of Zoos and Aquariums / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2015. Aquarium Inventions. Reef to Rainforest web site: http://www.reef2rainforest.com/2015/06/16/aquarium-inventions/



—— 2015. The Renovation of the Toledo Zoo Aquarium. Reef to Rainforest web site: http://www.reef2rainforest.com/2015/06/01/the-renovation-of-the-toledo-zoo-aquarium/



—— 2015. Toledo Zoo Aquarium Renovation. 15-part series. Saltwater Smarts web site: http://www.saltwatersmarts.com/toledo-zoo-aquarium-renovation/



—— 2015. The Salt Smart Guide to Preventing, Diagnosing, and Treating Diseases of Marine Fishes. 171 pp. Saltwater Smarts Publications. Toledo, Ohio.



—— 2015. Aquatic-Focused Experimental Learning. Drum and Croaker, Volume 46, 2015



Hemdal, J.F. 2014. Aquatic-Focused Experiential Learning at the Toledo Zoo. Reef to Rainforest web site: http://www.reef2rainforest.com/2014/12/15/aquatic-focused-experiential-learning-at-the-toledo-zoo/



Hemdal, J.F., et-al, 2014. Japanese Spider Crab Care Manual. AZA Aquatic Invertebrate Taxon Advisory Group. Silver Spring, MD: Association of Zoos and Aquariums.



—— 2014. Aquarium Renovation Project at the Toledo Zoo. Advanced Aquarist, Volume XIII December 2014 http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2014/12/aquarium



—— 2014. Species Globalization. Coral 11(6):116-129



—— 2014. 10 Easy Reef Residents. Marine Fish and Reef 2015 Annual. Volume 17:6-18



Hemdal, J.F., Delbeek, J.C., Terrel, R. 2014 Giant Freshwater Fishes: Caveats and Comments. Amazonas, Volume 3:9-13 November/December 2014



Hemdal, J.F. 2014. Viral Diseases of Aquarium Fishes. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine 62(12):46-55



—— 2014. Disaster Preparedness for Aquariums. Coral & Reef USA 2015 Annual. Volume 4:106-113



—— 2014. Your First Aquarium. 112pp T.F.H. Publications, Neptune City, N.J.



—— 2014. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Fourteenth edition. Association of Zoos and Aquariums / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2013. Which lights for me? Marine Fish and Reef 2014 Annual. Volume 16:62-69



Hemdal, J.F. & York, K. 2013. Aquarium Renovation Project at the Toledo Zoo. SeaScope. Volume 29:2



Hemdal, J.F. 2013. Do You Nano? Coral & Reef USA Volume 3:76-83



—— 2013. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Thirteenth edition. Association of Zoos and Aquariums / Toledo Zoo publication.



Hemdal, J. & McMullin, E. 2013. Husbandry of a Lake Victoria cichlid, the Pitch-black fulu Haplochromis piceatus, in public aquariums: a 20-year retrospective. International Zoo Yearbook 47. DOI: 10.1111/izy.12012



Hemdal, J.F. 2013. Chloroquine: A "New" Drug for Treating Fish Diseases. Advanced Aquarist’s Online Magazine. 12(2): http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2013/2/fish



Hemdal, J.F. 2012. Something to see – the flashlight fishes. Aquarium Fish International 24(8):80-88



Tlusty, M.F., Rhyne, A.K., Kaufman, L, Hutchins, M., McGregor Reid, G., Andrews, C., Boyle, P., Hemdal, J.F., McGilvray, F., Dowd, S. 2012. Opportunities for Public Aquariums to Increase the Sustainability of the Aquatic Animal Trade. Zoo Biology 00: 1–19 (2012)



Hemdal, J.F., Loiselle, P.V. 2012. The Endangered Cichlid Fishes of Lake Victoria. Amazonas May/June 50-59



Hemdal, J.F. 2012. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Twelfth edition. Association of Zoos and Aquariums / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2012. Acclimating Animals to Aquariums Part 2. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine 60(8):77-80



—— 2012. Acclimating Animals to Aquariums Part 1. Tropical Fish Hobbyist Magazine 60(7):56-60



—— 2012. Coral and Invertebrate Quarantine. Aquarium Fish International 24(4):42-47



—— 2012. Underwater Photography in Aquariums. Drum and Croaker. Volume 43, January 2012,



Gardner, T., Hemdal, J.F. 2011. Captive Propagation of the Boarfish. Reefs Online Magazine. Fall 2011 http://www.reefsmagazine.com/forum/reefs-magazine/111408-captive-propagation-boarfish.html



Hemdal, J.F. Odum, R.A. 2011. The Role of Activated Lignite Carbon in the Development of Head and Lateral Line Erosion in the Ocean Surgeonfish. North American Journal of Aquaculture 73:4, 489-492



Hemdal, J.F. 2011. Light up their world – dramatic lighting for aquariums. Marine Fish & Reef 2012 Annual 14(1):43-51



—— 2011. Swimming Spaces. Aquarium Fish International 23(11):52-59



—— 2011. HLLE and a smoking gun. Coral 8(4):90-95



—— 2011. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Eleventh edition. Association of Zoos and Aquariums / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2011. Aquarium Keeping and the Law. Aquarium Fish International 23(4):106-113



—— 2010. Six Great Reef Fishes You Should Know. Marine Fish & Reef 2011 Annual 13(1):96-105



—— 2010. HLLE and Activated Carbon: Looking for a Link. Coral Magazine 7(3):12-14



—— 2010. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Tenth edition. Association of Zoos and Aquariums / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2010. The Cherry Anthias: Sacura margaritacea. Advanced Aquarist’s Online Magazine 9(4): http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2010/4/fish



—— 2010. The 'Eyes' Have it: A Review of Eye Health in Aquarium Fishes. Advanced Aquarist’s Online Magazine 9(3): http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2010/3/fish



—— 2010. Refinement of a Technique for Remote Measurement of Captive Fishes Using Parallel Lasers. Drum and Croaker. Volume 41, 2010.



—— 2010. Red Band Syndrome. Aquarium Fish International 22(1):26-30



—— 2009. Mortality Rates of Fishes in Captivity. Advanced Aquarist’s Online Magazine. 8(12): http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2009/12/fish2



—— 2009. A Soft Spot for Softies (Soft Corals). Marine Fish and Reef USA 2010 Annual

Vol. 12:86-95



—— 2009. An Evaluation of Current Aquarium-related Conservation Efforts. Advanced Aquarist’s Online Magazine. 8(9): http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2009/9/aafeature



—— 2009. For Good Measure - Calculating the Swimming Space Requirements for Fishes in Aquariums. Practical Fishkeeping Magazine. Issue 7, July, 2009



—— 2009. Aquarium Fishes of the Tropical Eastern Atlantic Ocean. Advanced Aquarist’s Online Magazine. 8(6): http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2009/6/fish



—— 2009. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Ninth edition. Association of Zoos and Aquariums / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2009. Leapin’ Leopoldi’s! Safari 18(2):7



—— 2009. The Regal Tang. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 32(6):42-52



—— 2009. Leafcutter Ants: Gardeners of the Insect World. Safari 18(1):10-11



—— 2008. Mini-Aquariums. 144p. BowTie Press, Laguna Hills, California



—— 2008. Information Resources for Home Aquarists. Advanced Aquarist’s Online Magazine. 7(12): http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2008/12/review2



—— 2008. Micro-Ecosystems. Advanced Aquarist’s Online Magazine. 7(9): http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2008/9/aafeature3



—— 2008. Salinity Measurements for Marine Aquariums. Tropical Fish Hobbyist 57(2):108-112



—— 2008. Emergency Protocols for Home Aquariums. Advanced Aquarist’s Online Magazine. 7(4): http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2008/4/aafeature1



—— 2008. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Eighth edition. Association of Zoos and Aquariums / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2008. Diversity in Aquarium Collections. Drum and Croaker. 39(1):81-85



—— 2007. Bugs as Pets. 112p. TFH Publications, Neptune City, New Jersey



—— 2007. Chronic Anorexia in Aquarium Fishes. Advanced Aquarist’s Online Magazine. 6(12): http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2007/12/



—— 2007. Antique Fish Prints as Fine Art. Advanced Aquarist’s Online Magazine. 6(5): http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2007/5/



—— 2007. Captive Observations of the Mimic Octopus, Thaumoctopus mimicus. Advanced Aquarist’s Online Magazine. 6(4): http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2007/4/



—— 2007. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Seventh edition. American Zoo

and Aquarium Association / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2007. Home-Bred Seahorses. Marine Fish and Reef USA Annual 9(1):92-101



—— 2006. The Dressy – Sometimes Delicate – Harlequin Tuskfish. Aquarium Fish 18(12):94-97



—— 2006. The Filefish (aka Leatherjackets). Aquarium Fish 18(9):82-88



—— 2006. Captive Propagation Preferred. Aquarium Fish 18(8):24-34



—— 2006. The Magnificent blue-striped Angelfish, Chaetodontoplus septentrionalis. Tropical Fish Hobbyist 54(11):126-130



—— 2006. Advanced Marine Aquarium Techniques. 352pp. TFH publications, Neptune City, New Jersey



—— 2006. The Porkfish, Anisotremus virginicus. Aquarium Fish 18(5):



—— 2006. Aquarists and the Endangered Cichlid Fishes of Lake Victoria, Africa. AZA Communiqué March 2006 p.50-52



Hemdal, J.F., Cypher, J. 2006. Crustacean Nation. Marine Fish and Reef USA Annual 8(1):78-85



Koldewey, H. editor, et-al .2005. Syngnathid Husbandry in Public Aquariums. Macrorhamphosus species section. p. 108 – 110.



Hemdal, J.F. 2005. The dragons from down under. Safari 13(2):9-10



—— 2005. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Sixth edition. American Zoo

and Aquarium Association / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2004. Home aquarium fish you shouldn’t bring home – and why. Safari 12(4):4-5



Hemdal, J.F., Kurtz, J. 2004. Personality-Packed Puffers. Marine Fish and Reef USA Annual 7(1):68-81



Hemdal, J.F. 2004. The weedy scorpionfish: great – not grotesque! Aquarium Fish

16(8):54-59



—— 2004. Work among fishes. Aquarium Fish 16(4):50-58



—— 2004. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Fifth edition. American Zoo

and Aquarium Association / Toledo Zoo publication.



Hemdal, J.F., Kurtz, J. 2003. Basslets: the peaceful groupers. Marine Fish and Reef USA Annual 6(1):92-99



Hemdal, J.F. 2003. Batfish and spadefish. Aquarium Fish 15(12):36-48



—— 2003. Food for thought. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 26(9):171-174



—— 2003. Aquarium humor. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 26(8):13



—— 2003. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Fourth edition. American Zoo

and Aquarium Association / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2003. Temperate Australian marine fishes. Safari 11(1):10-11



—— 2003. Head and lateral line erosion. Aquarium Fish 15(4):28-35



—— 2003. Mineral balance. Aquarium Fish 15(4):54-59



—— 2003. Propagation of the Pirate Perch, Aphredoderus sayanus, an Extirpated Fish in Ohio, at the Toledo Zoo. American Currents 29(1)9-10



—— 2003. Aquarium fish breeding. 169pp. Barron’s Educational Series. Hauppauge, New York



—— 2002. The Black Widow Brotula Stygnobrotula latebricola. Freshwater and Marine

Aquarium 25(12):154-168



—— 2002. Fish necropsy techniques. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 25(11):126-130



—— 2002. The Pirate perch Aphredoderus sayanus. Safari 10(2):13



—— 2002. Aquarium tricks. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 25(5):196-202



Hemdal, J.F., Ottney, C. 2002. Garden pools. Safari 10(1):10



Hemdal, J.F. 2001. Tube feeding techniques for fish. Freshwater and Marine

Aquarium 24(12): 50-58



—— 2001. Aquarium careers. 126 pp. iUniverse publishers. Lincoln, NE



—— 2001. The use of ozone in marine aquarium systems. Freshwater and Marine

Aquarium 24(5):124-128



Chandler, M., Hemdal, J.F., Bailey, S.L. 2001. The Lake Victoria Haplochromine – AZA’s

first fish SSP. AZA Communiqué March 2001



Hemdal, J.F. 2001. Increased visitor residency time at a renovated aquarium exhibit.

Drum & Croaker 32 (1):18-19



—— 2000. (Un)Sustainable marine fisheries. Safari 8 (3):10-11



—— 2000. Temperate Australian marine fishes. Aquarium Fish 12(10):44-48



—— 2000. Aquarium problem solving. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium

23(5):108-118



Bullard, S.A., Benz, G.W., Overstreet, R.M., Williams Jr., E.H. and Hemdal, J.F. 2000.

Six new host records and an updated list of wild hosts for Neobenedenia melleni

(MacCallum) (Monogenea: Capsalidae). Comparative Parasitology 67(2):190-196



Hemdal, J.F. 2000. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Third edition. American Zoo

and Aquarium Association / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 2000. Aquarium myths. Aquarium Fish 12(5):46-55.



—— 2000. Aquarium temperature reduction using a thermostatically-controlled fan. Drum and Croaker 31(1):29-30.



—— 1999. The Deep-Sea Isopod, Bathynomus giganteus.. Tropical Fish Hobbyist 48(7):46- 48.



—— 1999. Electric fishes. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 22(12):200-202.



—— 1999. Raising mysid shrimp as a home aquarium food. SeaScope 16:1-4.



—— 1999. Garden eels. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 22(11):215-220.



—— 1999. The African tigerfish, Hydrocynus vittatus Castelnau, 1861. Tropical Fish

Hobbyist 48(1):90-92.



—— 1999. Diving the Galapagos 1998: Post - El Nino. Freshwater and Marine

Aquarium 22(6):30-34.



—— 1999. Culturing the mysid shrimp, Mysidopsis bahia as an aquarium food. Drum and Croaker 30(1):14-16.



—— 1999. Getting a charge out of electric fish. Safari 7(1):10-11.



—— 1998. The renovation of a public aquarium exhibit. Freshwater and Marine

Aquarium 21(12):166-173.



—— 1998. Aquatic specimen acquisition and inventory methods: a survey of AZA

accredited zoos and aquariums. Drum and Croaker 29(1):21-24.



—— 1997. The red-rimmed batfish - revisited. Aquarium Frontiers On-Line September 1997 http://www.petchannel.com/aqfm/1997/sep/features/1/index.htm



Mohan, P., Hemdal. J.F., and Loiselle, P. 1997. Tropical lunkers. Aquarium Fish 9(7):60-65.



Hemdal, J.F. 1997. A professional aquarist. Aquarium Frontiers 5/6:38-39.



—— 1997. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. Second edition. American Zoo and

Aquarium Association / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 1996. The natural reef tank. Aquarium Fish 8(12):78-83.



—— 1996. The nitrate myth. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 19(11):166.



—— 1996. Butterfly: What's in a name? Safari 4(2):4.



—— 1996. As the fish breathes. Aquarium Fish 8(1):70-76.



—— 1995. Using the Hach DR/2000 spectrophotometer to determine the relative water

clarity of aquarium systems. Drum and Croaker 26(2):11-13.



—— 1995. Fish to avoid Part 2. Aquarium Fish 7(8):48-59.



—— 1995. Fish to avoid Part 1. Aquarium Fish 7(7):58-65.



Hemdal, J.F., McAndrews, R. 1995. A basic husbandry guide for Victorian cichlids. Today's

Aquarist 6(2):10-13.



Hemdal, J.F., 1994. Lake Victorian cichlid regional studbook. American Zoo and Aquarium

Association / Toledo Zoo publication.



—— 1994. Fish mass determination. Aquarium Fish 6(7):54-58.



—— 1994. Flowers of the Sea: The sea anemone. Safari 2(4):4.



—— 1993. Preparing material for aquarist publications. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium

16(11):164-166.



—— 1993. Sea turtles: The Toledo Zoo's release program. Safari 1(3):4.



—— 1993. A report on the Lake Victorian cichlid symposium. Tropic Tank Talk, Greater

Detroit Aquarium Society 36(6):24-28.



—— 1993. Water volume in aquarium gravel. Drum and Croaker 24(1):41.



Hemdal, J.F., Scafidi, L. 1993. Simple aquarium water analysis for total aerobic bacteria. Drum and Croaker 24(1):17-20.



Hemdal, J.F. , 1992. Captive husbandry of the flashlight fish, Anomalops katoptron. Journal of Aquariculture and Aquatic Sciences 6(2):55-57.



—— 1992. The use of calcium hydroxide to control Aiptasia anemones. Freshwater and

Marine Aquarium 15(4):122.



—— 1992. Quarantine protocols. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 15(3):182-201.



—— 1992. Reduction of ozone oxidants in synthetic seawater by use of sodium thiosulfate.

Progressive Fish-Culturist 54(1):54-56.



—— 1991. Observed predation of zebra mussels by round gobies in captivity. Today's

Aquarist 4(11):3-4.



—— 1991. Sargassum communities. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 14(10).



—— 1991. Lightning bugs of the sea. Safari 7(1):3.



—— 1991. Animals to avoid. Aquarium Fish 3(7):36-41.



—— 1991. Starting right with marines Part 2. Aquarium Fish 3(6).



—— 1991. Starting right with marines Part 1. Aquarium Fish 3(5).



—— 1990. The curious seahorse. Safari 6(1):8.



—— 1990. Captive rearing of the zebra mussel, Dressenia polymorpha. Drum and Croaker

23(2):6-8.



—— 1990. Diagnostic bath procedures. Drum and Croaker 22(4):2‑3.



—— 1990. The making of a hobbyist. Aquarium Fish 3(1):40.



—— 1990. Collecting specimens for the John G. Shedd Aquarium. Tropical Fish Hobbyist

38(9).



—— 1989. Computer applications for home aquaria. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium

13(5).



—— 1989. High hats. Tropical Fish Hobbyist 37(9):78‑83.



—— 1989. Mimicry in marine fishes. SeaScope 6:2‑3.



—— 1989. A reported case of head and lateral line erosion (HLLE), potentially caused by

a bacterial infection in a marine angelfish - Pomacanthus semicirculatus. Drum and

Croaker 22(3):2‑3



—— 1989. Small marine aquariums. Aquarium Fish 2(2):52‑59.



—— 1989. Marine angelfish: color and style. Aquarium Fish 1(6):15‑20.



—— 1989. Saltwater fish: ten great choices. Aquarium Fish 1(4):18‑24.



—— 1989. Behind the scenes of the John G. Shedd Aquarium part 2. Freshwater and

Marine Aquarium 12(4):42.



—— 1989. Behind the scenes of the John G. Shedd Aquarium part 1. Freshwater and

Marine Aquarium 12(3):46.



—— 1988. Saltwater fish and invertebrates. Aquarium Fish 1(2):21‑25.



—— 1988. Marine biotopes. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 11(10):32.



—— 1988. Diagnostic key for marine aquarium problems. Freshwater and Marine

Aquarium 11(8):67.



—— 1988. Mathematical formulas for home aquariums. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium

11(7):42.



—— 1988. Fishes for the home miniature reef. SeaScope 5:1.



—— 1988. A biological laboratory for your home. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium

11(1):98.



—— 1987. Decorating around the aquarium. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 10(11):68.



—— 1987. The ethics of tropical fish keeping. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 10(3):22.



—— 1987 Careers in marine biology. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 10(2):66.



Hemdal, J.F., Kenney, S. 1987. A horse of a different color. SeaScope 4:1.



Hemdal, J.F., 1986. The flashlight fish. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 9(11):29.



—— 1986. The banded catshark. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 9(6):36.



—— 1985. The ribbon eel, Rhinomuraena quaesita. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium

9(2):62.



—— 1985. Caribbean basslets. Tropical Fish Hobbyist 34(4):40.



—— 1985. Chaetodontoplus personifer. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 8(11):74.



—— 1985. The remora (Echeneis naucrates). Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 8(11):35.



—— 1985. The pinnatus batfish: force feeding. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 8(10):18.



—— 1985. The fintastic lionfish. SeaScope 2:1.



—— 1985. The black angelfish. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 8(5):88.



—— 1985. Pomacentrids of the Atlantic. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 8(4):46.



—— 1984. Holding capacity of marine aquariums. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium

8(2):17.



—— 1984. A miniature ocean. SeaScope 1:1.



—— 1984. Shrimp of the Caribbean. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 7(9):81.



—— 1984. In defense of current marine fish prices. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium

7(12):56.



—— 1983. Starting an aquarium maintenance service. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium

6(11):12.



—— 1983. Selecting healthy marine specimens. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 6(7):19.



—— 1981. Reverse flow. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 4(12):57.



—— 1981. Energy in the marine aquarium. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 4(11):20.



—— 1981. Sharks in the marine aquarium. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 4(10):10.

Cool list I’m sure it’ll get lots of reactions. But I already read it and it’s almost all non peer-reviewed:

Drum and Croaker is a non-peer-reviewed journal.

Anyone on Earth can publish a book. AI can even do it. Doesn’t make the content factual. Magazines, books, and non peer reviewed material… like I said earlier.

 

[13rodo]

Anyways the original question was opinions on preemptive medication. You and vette decided to bulldoze anyone with a differing opinion. You made up stats on the spot and implied anything other than your way was wrong. That’s not science, it’s ego.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

So if you had .5 ammonia in the tank do you want your copper to be 2.25 or 2.75?

The ammonia results are separate from the copper readings - you should aim for copper at 2.25 ppm, with a range of 2 to 2.5. The ammonia reading, after adding amine-chelated copper will hit 0.50 ppm, but you can ignore that - this bound ammonia isn't toxic to the fish. The trouble is, the test kits can't differentiate between the bound and unbound ammonia - you need to do that "manually", by subtracting the estimated "bound ammonia" reading of 0.50 ppm from your actual reading. So - if you get a reading of 1 ppm, that means that 0.50 ppm is unbound, and is an issue.

 

[larrysaltisfun]

So if you had .5 ammonia in the tank do you want your copper to be 2.25 or 2.75?

The ammonia results are separate from the copper readings - you should aim for copper at 2.25 ppm, with a range of 2 to 2.5. The ammonia reading, after adding amine-chelated copper will hit 0.50 ppm, but you can ignore that - this bound ammonia isn't toxic to the fish. The trouble is, the test kits can't differentiate between the bound and unbound ammonia - you need to do that "manually", by subtracting the estimated "bound ammonia" reading of 0.50 ppm from your actual reading. So - if you get a reading of 1 ppm, that means that 0.50 ppm is unbound, and is an issue.

OK, I misunderstood and thought that if all the ammonia was detoxified. I thought that a portion of the copper was as well.

 

[larrysaltisfun]

So if you had .5 ammonia in the tank do you want your copper to be 2.25 or 2.75?

The ammonia results are separate from the copper readings - you should aim for copper at 2.25 ppm, with a range of 2 to 2.5. The ammonia reading, after adding amine-chelated copper will hit 0.50 ppm, but you can ignore that - this bound ammonia isn't toxic to the fish. The trouble is, the test kits can't differentiate between the bound and unbound ammonia - you need to do that "manually", by subtracting the estimated "bound ammonia" reading of 0.50 ppm from your actual reading. So - if you get a reading of 1 ppm, that means that 0.50 ppm is unbound, and is an issue.

OK, I misunderstood and thought that if all the ammonia was detoxified. I thought that a portion of the copper was as well.

I meant to say, if a portion of the ammonia was detoxified by being bound by copper then a portion of the copper would not be active either

 

[christinna77]

Cool list I’m sure it’ll get lots of reactions. But I already read it and it’s almost all non peer-reviewed:

Drum and Croaker is a non-peer-reviewed journal.

Anyone on Earth can publish a book. AI can even do it. Doesn’t make the content factual. Magazines, books, and non peer reviewed material… like I said earlier.

There's a pretty obvious double standard here.

You're demanding peer-reviewed evidence from Jay, but your own argument is basically "I'm a research scientist", "my spouse works in medicine" and "Paul B doesn't quarantine". None of that is peer reviewed either and nobody can even verify your credentials because you choose to stay anonymous.

You also said Jay only has two publications, which is just false. He has multiple peer reviewed papers, books, article and decades of actual aquarium experience.

Sure, copper isn't completely risk free and different fish can react differently. That's a fair discussion. But comparing it to giving healthy people chemo is ridiculous. Fish can carry parasites without showing any symptoms, and unlike cancer, those parasites can spread and infect your entire tank. That's the whole reason people treat proactively.

Calling Jay a pseudoscientist while using anecdotes and an unverifiable job title to back yourself up is pretty ironic.

Anyway, I've said my piece. I've personally had great experiences with Jay. He's helped me save several of my fish, has always been there to help and has consistently been a great source of information. That's all I'm going to say about this.

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Cool list I’m sure it’ll get lots of reactions. But I already read it and it’s almost all non peer-reviewed:

Drum and Croaker is a non-peer-reviewed journal.

Anyone on Earth can publish a book. AI can even do it. Doesn’t make the content factual. Magazines, books, and non peer reviewed material… like I said earlier.

Oh - but Drum and Croaker is perhaps BETTER than peer reviewed - it is based on peer pressure! My fellow professional aquarists read that work, and if I make an error, I get called out, and that is quite embarrassing at the next Regional Aquarist Workshop meeting, or worse yet, having a rebuttal published in a subsequent issue! I try very hard to avoid that (grin).

As for books - I agree, self-published books are a dime a dozen, anyone can do that now with AI. All but one of my books was reviewed by professional editors, and let me tell you, they are TOUGH. For my "Advanced Marine Aquarium Techniques", it took close to a year of revisions, with multiple people weighing in on it, before TFH published it....

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

I meant to say, if a portion of the ammonia was detoxified by being bound by copper then a portion of the copper would not be active either

No - the copper/ammonia bonded material is still effective....

 

[larrysaltisfun]

I meant to say, if a portion of the ammonia was detoxified by being bound by copper then a portion of the copper would not be active either

No - the copper/ammonia bonded material is still effective....

Got it