Fry Dying
Food grade containers,
bacteria, well water, water changes, carbon
filtration, dehumidifier
Bill says
"We have come across a problem in the past two
weeks of my wigglers have been turning white and
dying after they become free swimmers..."
Yes, Bill,
the problem could be coming from the Rubbermaid
container. I very much doubt that it is coming from
the dehumidifier. However, the problem most
definitely could be coming from the well water.
It is most
likely that bacteria are attacking your fry. The
source of the bacteria is your question.
You should
be able to defeat the bacteria by water changes so
that the bacteria do not get a change to overwhelm
the fry. Do not hesitate to change the water 4-5
times a day, and change 90% at a time. Follow normal
procedures re. de-chlorinating, temperature
equalization, etc.
My
suggestion is to next work on the Rubbermaid
container. Unless the container says the plastic is
"food grade", this could be the source of
the problem. If the container is the source of the
problem, your fry are being poisoned rather than
being attacked by bacteria. In this case, the water
changes will not help. I suggest changing containers.
I use glass whenever possible, and regularly treat
with Clorox, and only use plastic when I know it is
food grade. Then I also regularly treat with Clorox.
To use Clorox as a disinfectant, mix 1/3rd cup with
30 gallons of water for one hour. The measurement is
not critical, so work out measurements for other
quantities.
If you
still have the problem after changing containers,
look at your well water. Look first at pH and
hardness, as they are the easiest to correct. (I have
well water and check pH and hardness monthly.)
Exhaust all other options before trying to adjust
incoming pH or hardness. One good option is to add an
in-line activated carbon filter on your incoming cold
water line. Better yet, add both a 25-micron filter
and an activated carbon filter, with the 25-micron
filter first. If you want more information on this,
just ask.
Good luck,
Lloyd Spear
Oct 5, 1998
