sera costapur: Application tips
Do I have to switch off the lights and the CO2 fertilization when treating with sera costapur? Are the sera bio nitrivec bacteria harmed by this treatment? Will the fish not be harmed by some prolonged light withdrawal? How long should a treatment last at the maximum? Do I have to filter through carbon afterwards? And, finally, is continuous aeration by all means necessary?
Hello,
Concerning "lighting/CO2 fertilization":
Both may remain switched on; however, you should observe the fish breathing and possibly reduce CO2 addition. Since there is a common misunderstanding: The advice on the package saying that UV lamps must be switched off does not refer to the fluorescent tubes commonly used for lighting aquariums (these hardly emit any UV at all!), but exclusively to so-called "UV clarifiers" used in the filter circuit.
Concerning "sera bio nitrivec bacteria":
Hardly at all, there will be no significant filter performance reduction.
Concerning "light deprivation":
No, this will not happen - the plants are more likely to be affected, but then you do not need not switch off the lights anyway (see above, please).
Concerning "duration of treatment":
If no considerable improvement has taken place after about 8 days, it is recommended to interrupt the treatment and use sera med Professional Protazol instead (also see FAQ "White spots on the fish", please).
Concerning "carbon filtration":
This is at least advisable; several larger water changes (2 - 3 times 50% each, every 1 - 2 days) are an alternative.
Concerning "aeration":
"By all means necessary" may be a rather strict expression, but aeration during treatment is in any case indeed strongly recommended, especially as Ichthyophthirius also can infect the gills. If the fish breathe heavily, you should in any case aerate immediately!
Best regards
sera GmbH
Dr. Bodo Schnell