What to do with my empty main tank after columnaris

Hey all, I hope you're well.

I've had a **** of a time with my first fish but I finally have the answer to what is wrong with my fish, it has been one of the slow moving strains of columnaris. I can't get kanaplex or maracyn where I live but I can get the furan-2 and I am dosing it as we speak, I have 12 neon tetras left and they are in a quarantine tank.

I was just wondering though, I don't understand what I am supposed to do to the main tank before I put my (hopefully soon) healthy fish back in. I have read a lot of conflicting info regarding this so I just want to check as many places I can to ensure I have it right.

So I understand that for all of my equipment, I will need to soak it for no longer than 15 minutes in a 10% bleach solution, rinse, soak in plain water for 15 minutes, then rinse again well and let it dry and that sorts my nets, sponges, vacuum etc. i am also assuming that everything that's in the quarantine tank (filter, UV filter, heater, driftwood) would also be okay since it's in with the medication. What I don't get is what to do with the actual aquarium itself, seeing as it's empty now but still has plants and sand and driftwood in it. A lot of people say that since columnaris is present in most tanks, I should just put the fish back and since they're cured they will be okay. Others say that I should be stripping the entire tank and cleaning it with bleach, replacing sand and plants etc, and to be honest I can't afford to do that right now I have also heard that you can add bleach directly to the aquarium water and that can sort it out. But I have been confused because if columnaris is always in the tank, then why would I need to clean my nets etc and by that token, how can it be spread tank to tank from my nets etc if it's already present in most aquariums and my nets would be dry in between using them. Maybe it's obvious but it all seems conflicting to me and no matter where I look I get the same conflicting info, and I really want to do the best for my fish

Also if I was to be using bleach in the main tank that'd kill my cycle I'm guessing, so should I just be replacing all media and starting a fresh cycle? Or should I do that regardless of whether or not I used bleach?

Any help is always appreciated, thank you

 

Peroxide has the same effect and is much simpler to get out of the tank since it just breaks down into water and oxygen. It will kill your cycke but there is no need to tear the tank down. Just top it off, leave the filter on and pour it in.

Peroxide How To | 382067 | Freshwater Fish Disease and Fish Health

 

I have also heard that you can add bleach directly to the aquarium water and that can sort it out.
Also if I was to be using bleach in the main tank that'd kill my cycle I'm guessing, so should I just be replacing all media and starting a fresh cycle? Or should I do that regardless of whether or not I used bleach?

Sorry you've been having such a stupid time with your tank. How are all the fish in qt?

Wonder if you can cite a source for using bleach in a tank that's running a filter and has substrate and decor. For the record, I wouldn't.

 

Columnaris is a natral occuring part of the FW aquarium environment. Only when fish are weakened due to stressors does the disease take hold.
Be a good idea to allow the tank to remain empty for three weeks. Do a weekly 50% WC during this period, then begin restocking.
Leave the Clorox in the laundry room.

 

Peroxide has the same effect and is much simpler to get out of the tank since it just breaks down into water and oxygen. It will kill your cycke but there is no need to tear the tank down. Just top it off, leave the filter on and pour it in.

Peroxide How To | 382067 | Freshwater Fish Disease and Fish Health

Thank you, that does sound way better. Honestly at this point I'm not worried about killing my cycle, I can leave the fish in their quarantine tank while I start the main one back up again

 

Sorry you've been having such a stupid time with your tank. How are all the fish in qt?

Wonder if you can cite a source for using bleach in a tank that's running a filter and has substrate and decor. For the record, I wouldn't.

I did see one last night but I'm not really sure how reputable it is, it seemed a bit weird to me to be honest so I will try to get some peroxide instead

My fish are doing okay though thank you - they look terrible unfortunately but they're still swimming around and playing, eating, and coming up when I talk to them so I feel better that at least they aren't so affected that they can't be playful anymore. Poor little things, but I guess the good part of all of this is how much I am learning. Hopefully I can save my little friends

 

Columnaris is a natral occuring part of the FW aquarium environment. Only when fish are weakened due to stressors does the disease take hold.
Be a good idea to allow the tank to remain empty for three weeks. Do a weekly 50% WC during this period, then begin restocking.
Leave the Clorox in the laundry room.

Ah yes everybody seems to agree to leave the bleach out so I am gonna do just that - I feel really uncomfortable putting any weird chemicals into the tank to be honest since the only stuff that ever really goes in is fertilizer and prime. But - I will look into peroxide since it has been recommended, hopefully I can find some here in NZ. I will definitely leave the tank empty for three weeks though, I think I want to keep them in quarantine even after medication just to be sure they're alright.

I will also do the 50% wc on the main tank each week It's in a blackout right now (cyanobacteria - I got it when the tank was left for a whole month over lockdown since I had to take my fish and their quarantine tank with me and the main tank turned to **** due to lack of maintenance :I ). Thank you so much for the help though, I'm a beginner and it shows hahaha

 

We all learn from each other. I applaud you for researching and not dumping random medications in your tank. I hope this resolves and you can enjoy your fish in their permanent home!

 

We all learn from each other. I applaud you for researching and not dumping random medications in your tank. I hope this resolves and you can enjoy your fish in their permanent home!

Thank you Unfortunately though despite the research, I still got the wrong medications quite a few times :I It's been difficult to actually diagnose as nobody seemed to know what it was but to be fair it's hard to tell off a few photos. I have definitely learned a lot though and hopefully never have to put my fish through this kind of experience again.

Thanks again though you have all been so kind and helpful, I hope that when I know more I can contribute in these forums more too