First I need to say that this post does not cover goldfish or minnows.

To treat live bearing feeder fish such as guppies, mollies, and platies, I actually acclimate them to full marine specific gravity (SG). I place the fish in a 5 gallon bucket with about one gallon of fresh water and an air stone.

In a second 5 gallon bucket I prepare 5 gallons of marine water. I use the Instant Ocean marine salt since it is one of the less expensive brands. I measure the SG to 1.020, and allow the water to age for 12 hours.

I set the aged saltwater on the counter and the fresh water bucket containing the feeder fish on the floor below the first bucket.

Using airline tubing and a cheap valve, I start a drip line. I allow for one drop every 3 or 4 seconds. As the bottom bucket fills from the saltwater bucket above, its water slowly becomes more salty. About once an hour, I remove about 1/2 to 1 pint of water from the bottom bucket.

In about 24 to 48 hours, the feeder fish are at full marine SG.

I keep the feeders in a 10 gallon bare tank with saltwater for about 10 days. When I'm ready to feed, I reverse the process and take them back to fresh water (I use 1 gram salt per liter of water on my "fresh" tank).

By bringing the feeder's internal salinity up, you kill most parasites, fungi, and bacteria.

It does take up a bit of room, but not as much as a breeder tank of fish. There are normally a few weak fish that don't make it, but most do well.

Again, this doesn't work for goldfish, minnows, rosy reds, etc..




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