I'd like to share my experience with altum transport sickness

[raglan]

this is now 4 times I've controlled the transport illness.

so I'm going to offer what I believe is the way to go with these fish.

some it is going against theory that is baseless, such as theory that bacteria will multiply faster at higher temps, so go with cooler temps...that oxygen saturation levels drop sharply with increase in temp, so don't raise the temp, lower it...that nice filter set ups with good gas exchange makes good Dissolved Oxygen levels.

for me, this is it:

tank small enough to be able to do aged WC up to 100 % daily over several partial changes.

sterile tank.

low pH

air lift tubes such as from sponge filters.

NO PLANTS NO OTHER FISH

take the airstone off if you don't have a powerful air pump.
90 degrees F.
No drip method. Get them out of that bag ASAP.

You're good to go

I had a bad shipment of altum on Friday.
today they look like this. they just turned the corner. tomorrow they'll look fantastic.

I hope that if you have some trouble, you'll immediately try this with a small tank and at least a portion of the fish.
It will result in death if you do not use some extra means of aeration such as the airtubes, they will suffocate. You need clean water to hold oxygen more.


YouTube - altum babies getting better

air supply turned down in that video clip

I don't know what happens if weather is 90 degrees or more all the time, as heating them up boosts immune defences release. If for too long, it's supposed to be a negative effect on immune response.

[raglan]

Day 4 and some are showing red fins and light colouration, while others are still in corners a bit clamped. They're at 34 degrees C. with lots of aeration and gentle circulation.
Feeding causes respiratory distress at this time; they will rest nearly immobile near the surface after feeding, so feeding amount must be smaller and more often. At different times during the day they looked quite different, as in the photos to come.
YouTube - Baby Altum Day 4 After Shipping

[barmby]

thanks for sharing.

Turn up the temperature, at the same time turn up the air pump.

Low pH will stop fugus, they hate it !

Sterile tank - yes. Be careful of other tanks in close promixty as germs may be air borne to other tank.

This is learnt from an old uncle who keep discus nearly all his life. He has always been my inspiration.