How long do you QT a fish for?

**bowhunter2284** · 01-31-2013, 06:22 PM

Hello, I was wondering how long you should QT a fish for?

**mizzoutank** · 01-31-2013, 06:37 PM

I generally go 3-5 weeks on QT. pending they are in good health.

any issue's during the QT means at least 2 weeks post success of treatment to make sure they are back to full health.

**Goes to 11!** · 01-31-2013, 06:43 PM

I used to think 2 weeks was fine but then you get on here and see all the issues people have and it just kept getting longer and longer lol.. I harp about it all the time but the simple fact is QT can save entire tanks full of fish. IMO a week or two of QT is effectively not QTing at all.

IE: The Odessa barbs I brought home Dec 5 just came out of QT on Jan 21. 14 in total and everyone came through with flying colors.

I typically go around 4 weeks and if all is well they get the green light for the big show. This QT was extended because I added additional fish [The initial 8 were all the LFS had when I bought them.. So, QT started over from the time of the new arrivals.]

**genocidex** · 01-31-2013, 06:44 PM

i generally do 2-3 weeks, but my latest fish has been in for a month now and im thinking another for him.... he needs to grow a bit lol

**Cliff** · 01-31-2013, 06:47 PM

Around 4 weeks for me as well.

If at anytime I notice something that I need to treat with meds, I will wait about 4 weeks after the treatment is done. I have some fish in QT right now that I got in Nov, but had to treat them for a really bad ich outbreak. I am planning on putting them in the main tank in the next few weeks provided everything goes well.

**bowhunter2284** · 01-31-2013, 08:50 PM

Thanks for the help! I just started getting into this site and its great! always get a reply fast and everyone's eager to help! i'v learned more on here then the past few months of researching threw Google! Thank you!!!

i think i will do a 4 week rule from now on

**Indian Woods Angels** · 02-01-2013, 03:53 AM

90 days. Yeah, it's a long time but I do a worm schedule and a bunch of other treatments on them and need to see if stuff pops up.

**KevinVA** · 02-01-2013, 04:48 AM

I've a question for those who have an elongated QT schedule: Do you typically have your QT already setup and ready to go, or do you set it up every time you buy new fish or have a sick fish?

**mizzoutank** · 02-01-2013, 06:06 AM

Originally Posted by KevinVA

I've a question for those who have an elongated QT schedule: Do you typically have your QT already setup and ready to go, or do you set it up every time you buy new fish or have a sick fish?

Set it up every time. I use a sponge filter from my main tank so it is insta cycled when i get fish.
However, i do 20/30% pwc every couple days and then a big pwc each week to keep the water
Pristine for the new fellas

**Goes to 11!** · 02-01-2013, 08:38 AM

Originally Posted by mizzoutank

Set it up every time. I use a sponge filter from my main tank so it is insta cycled when i get fish.

+1.

Exactly as Mizzou states with the addition of an extra HOB or canister that I keep cycled on a stocked tank as well. Which filter depends on if I am using a 55G or 29G to QT.

. . . This does kind of depend on your definition of 'set up' though.

My 55 is in the basement, My empty 29 is on the bottom of a double stand, I use them where they sit & I consider neither 'set up' unless they are Stocked, Filled, Filtered & heated [If needed].

There are lots of threads on here about setting up QT tanks.