Got bad MTS. Is there a cure?

[lisa99]

Hubby just surprised me with a 5 gallon Marineland portrait all-in-kit for Bartholomew the betta.

Been in the hobby for less than 2 months and I’m up to 3 tanks.

 

[H Farnsworth]

Extra large tank encephalitis will usually replace mts.

 

[mattgirl]

Happily there is no cure. Once bitten the only relief is one more tank and then one more and so on and so forth Even if someone came up with a cure I feel sure I would be unwilling to take them up on the offer.

 

[Fanatic]

The only cure is to get more tanks, it's unstoppable now!

 

[DeborahJeanne]

Yes, I agree. I had a 20G just sitting empty for 20 years. This past August I decided to set it up again. Got all new heater, filter, gravel, etc. then I bought a 15G, put a divider in it and got 2 bettas. Then I got two 5G tanks for fry - I have guppies. I’ve spent over $1000 that includes plants, decor, fish, fish food etc, and in the Spring I’m going for a 40G with all the trimmings. So yes, I’ve seriously gone beyond MTS and have a very bad case of extra large tank encephalitis. Oh yeah, my place is only 900 sq ft.

 

[Basil]

I thought going to using RO/DI and thus needing to prepare water ahead would cure it. Umm, nope.
I just purchased another 32 g brute trashcan and a power strip to plug in more air pumps and heaters lol!
Although, in my defense, I did set up the most recent tank because I needed to separate some fish.

 

[trinity28]

I've gone from a small betta tank and a small guppy tank to a total of eight tanks in the span of about 2 or 3 months Whoops. The Petco dollar per gallon sale certainly did not help. I tend to become obsessed with hobbies once I find that I like them though, so I've definitely gone all out. Now I have to limit myself and not get any more because I live in a rental.

 

[DeborahJeanne]

Haha! I’m way ahead of you! I have three 5G buckets with RO water, each with a heater, waiting for WC today and tomorrow! (That’s the heaviest I can drag around with a torn rotator cuff). I can forget about my living room looking neat and tidy. Now it’s loaded up with buckets of water, tank vacuum, nets, my kitchen island has a fry tank, a test tube rack with 30 tubes, a master test kit, water hardness kit, a bottle of Prime, BB, conditioner, a brine shrimp hatchery, and so many jars of all different kinds of fish food!!

I've gone from a small betta tank and a small guppy tank to a total of eight tanks in the span of about 2 or 3 months Whoops. The Petco dollar per gallon sale certainly did not help. I tend to become obsessed with hobbies once I find that I like them though, so I've definitely gone all out. Now I have to limit myself and not get any more because I live in a rental.

You’re like me! I have a 20G guppy tank that is so amazingly colorful, a 15G betta tank with a divider for bettas, and two 5G fry tanks. I re-arranged my bedroom so I can put a 20G long with 3 dividers and 4 bettas, and I want a 40G for more guppies. I SERIOUSLY have to slow down right now, I have spent waaaaay too much money since August. No more tanks until Spring

 

[86 ssinit]

Ok for everybody above!!! Mts is cured with bigger tanks!!! . Time to bypass that 55 and go right to the 125,150 and 200. Oh and yes in that order. I’m an instigator.

 

[DeborahJeanne]

I've gone from a small betta tank and a small guppy tank to a total of eight tanks in the span of about 2 or 3 months Whoops. The Petco dollar per gallon sale certainly did not help. I tend to become obsessed with hobbies once I find that I like them though, so I've definitely gone all out. Now I have to limit myself and not get any more because I live in a rental.

I live in a rental too!

 

[trinity28]

I live in a rental too!

It is a townhouse so luckily it has a small basement where I house my tanks. I didn't have anything going on in the basement before besides using it for storage so I guess now it has something to it

 

[DeborahJeanne]

Ok for everybody above!!! Mts is cured with bigger tanks!!! . Time to bypass that 55 and go right to the 125,150 and 200. Oh and yes in that order. I’m an instigator.

You most certainly are!

It is a townhouse so luckily it has a small basement where I house my tanks. I didn't have anything going on in the basement before besides using it for storage so I guess now it has something to it

My landlord came over the other day. Last time he was here I had one tank. He said, “ooohhh....you have more tanks set up......”

 

[trinity28]

My landlord came over the other day. Last time he was here I had one tank. He said, “ooohhh....you have more tanks set up......”

Lol, yeah my landlord has seen the two that are upstairs but not the ones in the basement. Good luck to us with that haha

 

[coralbandit]

I always thought water changes cured MTS ??
You know, when you get so many , I mean enough tanks you don't have time to change water as much as you want in all of them ??
For me that number is between 50 -60 ..I know not a good number for most but that seems to be my range !.
Possibly it is viral and we will all have to live with it until remission ?

 

[DeborahJeanne]

I always thought water changes cured MTS ??
You know, when you get so many , I mean enough tanks you don't have time to change water as much as you want in all of them ??
For me that number is between 50 -60 ..I know not a good number for most but that seems to be my range !.
Possibly it is viral and we will all have to live with it until remission ?

You would think, wouldn’t you?! Apparently not! I can barely change the litter pan for one cat who prefers the great outdoors unless it’s raining or snowing! But I’m so afraid of ammonia spikes that I religiously do WC!

 

[PascalKrypt]

You want to know what the cure is for MTS?

Step 1: Get a bigger house.
Step 2: Get an automatic water change system.
Step 3: Get a bigger paycheck.
Step 4: Oh sorry, did I say cure? I meant 'how to make it manageable'

 

[DeborahJeanne]

You want to know what the cure is for MTS?

Step 1: Get a bigger house.
Step 2: Get an automatic water change system.
Step 3: Get a bigger paycheck.
Step 4: Oh sorry, did I say cure? I meant 'how to make it manageable'

You are so very right!!

 

[BettaNgold]

Man, I asked for one of those for Christmas. I like the look of it. If I get it that will be a total of 11 tanks that I own although 2 are currently empty. So no, there is no cure for MTS. Enjoy!

 

[lisa99]

Step 1: Get a bigger house.
Retired at 54 and downsized. 4 years out and not moving!
Step 2: Get an automatic water change system.
Oooooh, tell me more!
Step 3: Get a bigger paycheck.
Refer to step 1 ;-)
Step 4: Oh sorry, did I say cure? I meant 'how to make it manageable'
Lol

 

[CaptainAquatics]

I have 10 tanks (not including three 1 gallon tanks with misqueto fish that actually do really well), ranging from 5-130 gallons. I hope to get 2 more tanks soon, lol. I’m affected and must be quarantined, in my fishroom, getting a new tank every day, making it, you know, manageable.

 

[DeborahJeanne]

Step 1: Get a bigger house.
Retired at 54 and downsized. 4 years out and not moving!
Step 2: Get an automatic water change system.
Oooooh, tell me more!
Step 3: Get a bigger paycheck.
Refer to step 1 ;-)
Step 4: Oh sorry, did I say cure? I meant 'how to make it manageable'
Lol

I’m with you Lisa! I’m retired too, otherwise I wouldn’t have time for all these water changes!!

 

[PascalKrypt]

Step 1: Get a bigger house.
Retired at 54 and downsized. 4 years out and not moving!
Step 2: Get an automatic water change system.
Oooooh, tell me more!
Step 3: Get a bigger paycheck.
Refer to step 1 ;-)
Step 4: Oh sorry, did I say cure? I meant 'how to make it manageable'
Lol

I've been working on #2 myself. I'll let you know as soon as it is in place ;-) Though mostly it is meant to save on heaters, I have too many 3-5 gallons with each needing an individual small heater that doesn't cook it. Seems to require unnecessary amounts of power..
And well, I mean, you'd still have to change the water. It just allows for changing about 10 tanks at the same time ;-)

I do know of a couple that has their tank sump connected to the plumbing, it does full automatic water changes by refreshing 5% of the water daily. They only need to vacuum once in a while. Which given the size of their 120G is probably a blessing.

 

[Rcslade124]

There is no cure. I have 3 also in just as many months. And I'm asking pet stores about their black Friday deals lol

 

[bumblinBee]

Lol, thought this post was about Malaysian trumpet snails for a second

 

[nikm128]

Cure? No. Treatment? Running out of money?

 

[DeborahJeanne]

I've been working on #2 myself. I'll let you know as soon as it is in place ;-) Though mostly it is meant to save on heaters, I have too many 3-5 gallons with each needing an individual small heater that doesn't cook it. Seems to require unnecessary amounts of power..
And well, I mean, you'd still have to change the water. It just allows for changing about 10 tanks at the same time ;-)

I do know of a couple that has their tank sump connected to the plumbing, it does full automatic water changes by refreshing 5% of the water daily. They only need to vacuum once in a while. Which given the size of their 120G is probably a blessing.

It is easier doing WC on a 5G than a 20G, but I agree about all those heaters. I use Cobalt heaters, not exactly the cheapest, but every tank needs one, so I have no choice. My 5G were originally for bettas, but since guppies breed like rabbits, I needed fry tanks. My place is really small and space is a premium, so really huge tanks are out of the question. But I really want a 20G so I can divide it up for 4 bettas, and there are so many strains of guppies I need another guppy tank, a 40G. Although, unless I make it an all male guppy tank, I’m going to need more fry tanks...... Does it EVER end????!?

There is no cure. I have 3 also in just as many months. And I'm asking pet stores about their black Friday deals lol

Just what I need - Black Friday deals to justify another tank NOW! And it is coming, isn’t it? And here I was, wondering what I could get myself for my birthday which falls around Black Friday - and a Christmas present too! OMG!!

 

[Rcslade124]

Last year petsmart had 70g and stands for 150$ too bad I wasn't in the hobby then

 

[GlennO]

The only thing that slows it for me is the time required for maintenance. I also keep birds and every Sunday afternoon is spent cleaning fish tanks and bird cages.

 

[lisa99]

I started with a 75 gallon thinking it would be big enough to last me awhile. Nope. Already wanting a 125.

Got the 20 gallon because it was a dollar a gallon sale. Who can resist that? Spent well over $200 to get it running.

I'm going to have fun scaping the new 5g.

 

[Basil]

The only thing that slows it for me is the time required for maintenance. I also keep birds and every Sunday afternoon is spent cleaning fish tanks and bird cages.

I feel your pain lol! I also have 3 horses and help take care of my family farm. Doesn’t everyone need two full time hobbies? lol!
I need to retire just to take care of all my animals.

 

[Blondeath]

I always thought water changes cured MTS ??
You know, when you get so many , I mean enough tanks you don't have time to change water as much as you want in all of them ??
For me that number is between 50 -60 ..I know not a good number for most but that seems to be my range !.
Possibly it is viral and we will all have to live with it until remission ?

You could have an automatic water change system set up and then you’ll have more time for more tanks !!

 

[Islandvic]

Natural progression of MTS is the transition to outdoor ponds.....

 

[BettaNgold]

Oh, no...I have one!

 

[Sheryl]

Hubby just surprised me with a 5 gallon Marineland portrait all-in-kit for Bartholomew the betta.

Been in the hobby for less than 2 months and I’m up to 3 tanks.

View attachment 633952

No cure! sorry! Lol I have 2 of those tanks!! I love them! A betta and two guppy female juveniles in one and two female guppies and a few fry waiting for me to tell if they are male or female so I can take the males out and put them in my male guppy tank
I also have one 20 gallon tall, two 20 gallon longs, the 10 gallon male guppy tank, 5 gallon Betta and guppy fry tank, two other Betta tanks and a hospital/emergency tank. Also, small planted self cleaning one with snails (I was curious about it but too small for fish, lol)

 

[coralbandit]

I like to look at MTS as a keeper knowing what is right for the fish and doing their best even if it means we make the ultimate sacrifice and get yet another tank ..Oh the burden of the good keeper !
Sooo many fish out there !

 

[Basil]

I like to look at MTS as a keeper knowing what is right for the fish and doing their best even if it means we make the ultimate sacrifice and get yet another tank ..Oh the burden of the good keeper !
Sooo many fish out there !

Exactly the reason I just set up my third display tank lol!

 

[SM1199]

One of the best things ever was when I was at one of the most impressive local fish stores I had ever been to.

I was talking with a worker about how I already had four tanks, including a 55 gallon tank, in my one bedroom apartment. Thus, I definitely wasn't capable of getting yet another.

He looked at me with a very puzzled face and went, "... And? I have a 150 gallon in my one bedroom apartment. On top of fifteen other smaller tanks. I think you could fit in another 20 gallon!"

What an effective salesman to hit me where I'm weakest!

 

[PascalKrypt]

I like to look at MTS as a keeper knowing what is right for the fish and doing their best even if it means we make the ultimate sacrifice and get yet another tank ..Oh the burden of the good keeper !
Sooo many fish out there !

You sound like my friend that always offers to "sacrifice" himself so that the last piece of chocolate won't be left uneaten. From the pure goodness of his heart.

One of the best things ever was when I was at one of the most impressive local fish stores I had ever been to.

I was talking with a worker about how I already had four tanks, including a 55 gallon tank, in my one bedroom apartment. Thus, I definitely wasn't capable of getting yet another.

He looked at me with a very puzzled face and went, "... And? I have a 150 gallon in my one bedroom apartment. On top of fifteen other smaller tanks. I think you could fit in another 20 gallon!"

What an effective salesman to hit me where I'm weakest!

This sounds like a seriously, dangerously effective employee for a specialised store, hahaha!

 

[plecodragon]

No real cure for MTS-only a limit on time, space and most importantly money. I have 15 tanks and it all started with my grandparents guppy tanks-fell in love with those two tanks and from there it was goldfish, guppies, livebearers, cories (15 different types at one time), barbs, tetras of all kinds (some more then 10years old) and now onto my newest item the cichlid (yellow lab)-they are so pretty. In my case now I believe I am in control of my infection of MTS because I am now losing some of the joy of the hobby- it is more like a job. I also got infected with Camallanus worms and seeing fish die really puts a damper on getting any more tanks and fish. I only thank the fish gods that all 15 tanks have separate equipment, water changers, scoops, tools-more expensive but I don't have to treat all my tanks for the death worm. It also the reason I don't have a python the thought of moving the python from tank to tank is too risky for me, so buckets it is (lots and lots of buckets)

 

[lisa99]

Can I convert my cement pond (aka swimming pool) into a koi pond?

OMG I wrote that in jest, now I can’t stop thinking about how to do it. Hubby would not be amused!

 

[Sheryl]

Can I convert my cement pond (aka swimming pool) into a koi pond?

OMG I wrote that in jest, now I can’t stop thinking about how to do it. Hubby would not be amused!

LOL If you do it I would LOVE to see it!!!

 

[lisa99]

Uh oh. There are videos on how to do it. This could become a slippery slope!

 

[kallililly1973]

Funny you mention the cement pond. I was just watching a youtube video from Ohio fish rescue and he has a 58000 gallon pool he turned into an indoor pond. Amazing fish in there. Redtail cats and a lot of other monster fish.

 

[lisa99]

I just saw that one. Such cool fish!

 

[toeknee]