Potassium permanganate treatment. Potassium permanganate consumes large quantities of oxygen during the treatment so make sure the pump to the waterfall is running at all times and add some air stones if you suspect the oxygen level may be low. When potassium permanganate is added to the water it will turn the pond a bright purple at first and then a "Pink Champagne". As long as the water is a "Pink Champagne" color it is active and is oxidizing any organic mater in the pond including parasites. When it turns to a yellow "Tea" color is has been used up and is no longer oxidizing anything. By scooping up a sample of the water in a white ceramic or plastic cup it will makes it much easier to tell when the water changes color.
- Day 1- Add the proper dose of potassium permanganate to the pond. Note the time it takes to change color. As soon as it changes to a tea color you can stop bypassing the filter.
- Day 2- Add the proper dose of potassium permanganate to the pond. Note the time it takes to change color. As soon as it changes to a tea color you can stop bypassing the filter.
- Continue to treat the pond each day until the pond stays pink for at least 8 hours at one time. Skip one day and then treat the pond one more time except reduce the dose of potassium permanganate by 20%. After the pond has stayed pink for the second 8 hour period, neutralize the pond with Hydrogen Peroxide at a rate of approximately one quart for every 2,000 gallons. Within 30 minutes the water should be very clear. Perform a 40% water change and you should have parasite free fish swimming in very clean water. The only exception may be ich. If you suspect ich you should replace the salt lost durring the water change and maintain it for an additional 10 days. Do not forget to add dechlorinator to the new water.
Note: If at anytime during the treatment the water gets so cloudy that you cannot see your fish and you get concerned, you can neutralize the potassium permanganate and make the water clear by adding Hydrogen Peroxide, but if you choose to add Hydrogen Peroxide at anytime during the treatment you will need to wait 3 full days for the Hydrogen Peroxide to evaporate before you restart the treatment.
|
