jtf74
Well-Known Member
A few days ago I read a post where someone had killed quite a few fish trying to follow a QT protocol outlined on this forum. That protocol was no doubt very well written, informative, and accurate, but the person trying to implement it didn't have the necessary experience. For this reason, if you are new to the hobby, maybe consider taking a slower less reactive approach. I've been in the hobby off and on for 20 years, and my latest reef setup has been running over 8 years. My setup is simple, lots of flow and a good skimmer. No dosing, just saltwater. I have qt'd 14 fish including a copperband, 3 different tangs (the hippo came from petco), a bicolor and flame angel, gramma, clowns (also petco) and have not lost one fish or used one drop of preventative medicine, and I have had all my fish in DT for at least two years. I use the same 55 gallon for QT I started with 8 years ago. It sits fallow and running with pods, liverock, aiptasia (grown for my cbb) and beneficial bacteria, until I get a new fish which I observe for 76 days. Why stress new fish more than they already are by trying to prevent a disease it may not even have? If I notice a problem I'll treat, but just having good water quality, an established system, natural live food and surroundings, and a place free from harassment is often all that is needed. Not strictly monitoring your copper levels is far worse than doing nothing, if there are no symptoms present.
So here's some quick tips:
1. Look for fish from fellow hobbyists that are rehoming first as they are more likely eating well already or watch it eat at LFS
2. Consider you choice of fish carefully. Don't impulse buy.
3. Be prepared with a plan to remove and rehome when mixing aggressive fish like tangs
4. Don't skip QT (this process also makes sure the new fish doesn't get out competed for food )
5. Have a backup plan for power failures
6. Start slow, don't rush the cycling time
So here's some quick tips:
1. Look for fish from fellow hobbyists that are rehoming first as they are more likely eating well already or watch it eat at LFS
2. Consider you choice of fish carefully. Don't impulse buy.
3. Be prepared with a plan to remove and rehome when mixing aggressive fish like tangs
4. Don't skip QT (this process also makes sure the new fish doesn't get out competed for food )
5. Have a backup plan for power failures
6. Start slow, don't rush the cycling time
