Acclamation--- This is when I have had major problems. So second time around, after i lost the first one, this is what i did.
Put stress coat in bag at fish store. Float in new tank to get a temp adjustment for 15 minutes. Add same amount of water from tank into bag (water is now double). After another half hour (45 minutes total) release. Before the big intro, i changed the water and double checked all levels, then added a serious dose of stress coat to the water. I had meds ready (marycyn 1 & 2, quick cure for ich). When things were perfect, I introduced him and he got ich immediately by the next morning. Quick cure took it right away and he has been chillin like a villain ever since. Hes gone from 3 inches to a strong 6 inches and he eats everyday.
Water parameters--- ph 6.8, nitrates 10, temp 78 F, Lots of oxygen.
Medications-- Marycyn 1 & 2 just in case of fin rot. Salt and heat plus quick cure for ich.
Tank Info-- 75 gallon LONG (he is super fast and makes it 5 foot in no time!). Short (height wise) long and wide tank with cover on one side and open area on the other for feeding. Planted with a little current. He likes to sit in the current.
Foods-- Self kept goldfish and minnows. I buy them and then they sit in quarantine. Any funny business they go down the toilet instead of in tank.
Problems-- ICH right away after introduction to tank. Easily cleared with quick cure. If you see one white spot treat the whole tank immediately and get rid of it right away! I lost my first one in three days to it.
Tank mates--- Hujeta, Schomberoid, angelfish, and surprisingly buenos aires tetras, spotted pleco. Not for long though because the tetras will be lunch when he gets bigger for sure adn hes growing fast.
Advice for new owners--- When you introduce them to the tank have meds ready! Instant problems but if you are prepared, you will have great results. Once acclimated mine is really easy to care for. Leave a little cover to one side and then lots of open area on top and to one side for feeding. At first mine was skiddish but now he doesnt like to be covered. He sits right in the current and right in the open in the middle of the water. He has places to go if he gets scared but he knows now I like him and i wont eat him. He is always front and center and when the hujeta and payara get scared, he just chills. My first one never made it through the ich stage because i tried the salt method and that just is not fast enough. If you see fin rot or ich (two most common things) treat right away with maricyn or quick cure. Do not wait because it will die quick. Once established they are bullet proof with clean water. I do water changes twice a week and he is doing great.
