regime for "cleaning" WC fish?

[MikeNYC]

what is the best method for getting rid of parasites and other disease from wc fish?

I recently had a big problem, with a total loss of almost 10 fish after receiving a large order of WC tetra and Apistos (22 fish.) Some of these fish losses were in my existing tanks, that I (unfortunately!) mixed some wild fish with.

The various symptoms before deaths included: fungus/bacterial infestation, emaciation/loss of color, erratic swimming or disorientation before death. I also have noticed some black pepper size grains on the tail of my Apisto, which fortunately is still living.

I ordered from a Montreal based dealer who regularly imports WC fish. He claims that all fish were healthy before he exported them, BUT, does not mention cleaning them or using any meds before shipping. I am sure many of you know of this guy, since he has been mentioned to have some hard to find Apistos on this forum. I wonder what his reputation is with shipping "unclean" fish.

Please Advise! thanks

 

[Apistt_ed]

Hello Mike,
Sorry to hear that.
Did you keep these fish in quarantine tanks for an extended amount of time?!

Apistos bought, WC or from unknown sources, are more than sensitive to any kind of medication as most apistos are. The best things we can do is to screen these fish in a controlled environment to make sure that there aren't foreign parasites and diseases that may be present from the stresses of shipment or from the wild. Only the healthiest of fishes should be introduced to your established tanks.