If you grab any rock that's under water from your pond and put it in the
tank it'll contain bacteria and will immediately cycle your tank.

"Michael Grossman" wrote in message
news:vLGOa.10804$N7.1583@sccrnsc03...
Bern,
My wife and I were just discussing the possibility of going out and
getting
an aquarium to use as a hospital tank. You think 20-40 gallons would be
good? Using pond water wouldn't be a big issue. It's been over 10 years
since I kept aquarium fish. I used to have salt water then switched to
african ciclids. If I use pond water, the water will be ok. But what
about
filtration. I don't have time to wait for a tank to cycle. I don't even
know where to begin now. 10 years ago, an undergravel filter with a few
powerheads and an external power filter that hung on the back of the tank
was all I used. For tonight I guess he will have to stay in the net until
I
figure out what I need.

Mike

"Bern Muller" wrote in message
...

I have a new theory as to what happend to him. I believe he may have
gotten
stuck against the pump sock which has a PrimaXL 3400gph pump in it.
Plus,
my wife dropped a few pieces of food in the net and he immediatly
surfaced
and ate every piece. Now we don't know what to do. Please Help???

I would be encouraged by his good appetite and willingness to go after
food.
If a hospital aquarium (20-40 gallon using pond water) is not an option,
your net system will probably work well. You might cover the net with
more
netting to protect him from predators. I'd continue to feed him, and
give
him a week or so to heal. At the end of that time you will have an
indication of how things are going to turn out. He will either heal, or
get
worse. If he stays exactly the same you will have to decide if you want
to
keep a paraplegic fish, or euthanize him.