View Full Version : Quarantining new fish
CGY_Betta_Guy
12-18-2009, 05:16 PM
Had a couple questions as to how others on the forum do things when doing their quarantines.
I just bought a bunch of new fish and have had them in QT for a week or so and was probably going to leave them in there for 1 or 2 more. Then I thought to myself... I wonder how long most people QT their fish for before moving them into their main tanks?
Also, I had a previous group of new fish that I had in QT for 3 weeks that seemed to be pretty healthy that I moved into one of my main tanks. That tank had been completely free of any issues for about 7 months since setting up. Shortly after moving the fish from QT I had an outbreak of ich in that tank and dont think it was a coincidence. Just wondering if anyone preemptively adds anything to the water of the QT to "clean" new fish of any nasties before it happens (ie pimafix or melafix to get rid of bacterial problems or ich)? I dont but wondering if it might have saved me the problems in my main tank.
So what are your best practices when it comes to your QT?
rich311k
12-18-2009, 05:20 PM
I keep fish in QT for a month. If I see no signs of trouble I move them on to thier tanks. If I see anything I restart the clock. I do not beleive in preventative treatment but some people do add anti parasite meds while fish are in QT.
aspects
12-18-2009, 05:35 PM
You should not treat before you diagnose.
Chemical treatments can be harmful to the internal organs of fish, and can be very stressful. I would not suggest using them unless you absolutely need to. Pre-treating for a condition your fish does not have will be more harmful than helpful.
In regards to QT time, I usually only QT for 2 weeks with new fish unless they need to be treated for something.
Jaster
12-18-2009, 05:36 PM
I give my new adds about 2-3 weeks. I get all my fish from the same place and I can trust my fish guy. As long as all is well they move but if something does come up, it's dealt with then I start the QT over.
I was told if you really want to treat the get a good UV light. Run it 24 hours a day for a week. After that week cut 1/4 of the time off that you run the light. The next week cut another 1/4 off the the time... and so on until the light is off. This will kill pretty much anything bad and as you decrease the time it gets the fish to keep their own imune system up.
aspects
12-18-2009, 06:10 PM
I give my new adds about 2-3 weeks. I get all my fish from the same place and I can trust my fish guy. As long as all is well they move but if something does come up, it's dealt with then I start the QT over.
I was told if you really want to treat the get a good UV light. Run it 24 hours a day for a week. After that week cut 1/4 of the time off that you run the light. The next week cut another 1/4 off the the time... and so on until the light is off. This will kill pretty much anything bad and as you decrease the time it gets the fish to keep their own imune system up.
Unfortunately I think you were misinformed.
UV filters only effect suspended particles in the water column. It has no effect what so ever on bacteria/ fungus/ spores/ parasites that are already on or in your fish, filter, substrate or decor. It must actually pass through the filter and have prolonged direct contact with the light in order to be effected. So if you buy a fish that already has ich or an internal parasite, the UV will not kill it. However, once treated and cured, the uss of a UV filter on your tank will prevent any future breakouts of any kind.
Also, I have read a few scientific journals and corresponded with experts on the matter, and have yet to see any conclusive test results that prove a direct correlation between the use of a UV filter on a tank/pond and lowered immune system of its occupants. Its an interesting concept, but nothing more than a concept.
rhonin
12-18-2009, 11:44 PM
I get almost all my fish from the same source and generally QT for about 2 weeks.
One note: I will adjust the QT tank to match as close as possible the tank they are destined for.
Two note: My hospital tank is not my QT tank.
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