Do you generally dip and QT for inverts?

[Zionas]

Hi all, I’d like to know if you guys generally dip and QT for invertebrates. If so:

1. What is your dipping / QT process?

2. What dips and tools do you use?

3. Do you think it’s generally necessary?


Thanks.

 

[najer]

England here, no.

 

[Zionas]

I see. So, generally inverts just go through a basic temperature acclimation like fish and corals before going into the tank?

 

[Flippers4pups]

I never dip inverts. Most inverts, because of their body structure, shouldn't have parasites attached to them, especially after proper acclimation and rinsing with saltwater before adding to the DT.

With that said, yes everything should be QT'd before adding to your DT.

 

[Flippers4pups]

I see. So, generally inverts just go through a basic temperature acclimation like fish and corals before going into the tank?

Yes but they require a much longer acclimation. Temp for 20 minutes in bag, then at least a hour drip or longer, especially starfish.

 

[Zionas]

I see. What about for some easy shrimp, snails, hermit crabs and crabs?

 

[ReeferWarrant]

If it has a shell, I always inspect them for hitchhikers. That’s an easy way to get vermetids added to your tank. I either use a small screwdriver and tear the tube up or superglue the cap.

 

[Flippers4pups]

I see. What about for some easy shrimp, snails, hermit crabs and crabs?

Same. After acclimation, I rinse them with tank water and discard the water before placing them in the DT. Starfish need to stay submersed and never get exposed to air, so exchange their water a couple times by tilting their acclimation bowl to discard some of the water when adding fresh saltwater. Do this a couple times to flush out anything.

Crabs, shrimp, snails can be done the same way. Just make sure to keep them in the bowl when discarding water!

 

[Zionas]

Great to know! I’m going to look for a drip tube with an automatic valve that controls drip rate.

 

[Cwentz758]

Great to know! I’m going to look for a drip tube with an automatic valve that controls drip rate.

You can get some air line tubing and a small valve and adjust it yourself real easy

 

[andrewey]

Drip tubes are great. A valve cost pennies to add to airline tubing. Failing that, tie some knots in your airline hosing and set a timer for 15 seconds and count # of drips. Tighten/loosen as needed to achieve 1-2 drips/second.

 

[salty150]

I HIGHLY suggest you read this article posted here some three years ago...

How to Quarantine Coral and Inverts

How to Quarantine Coral and Inverts

Coral and Invert Quarantine What?! You want me to quarantine my fish AND my corals and inverts? In a word, Yes. Have you ever quarantined all your fish, were so careful to treat carefully and follow all the rules only to end up with ich or...

www.reef2reef.com

 

[ReeferWarrant]

I forgot to mention, check for Pyramid snails too when you get large snails. I just realized I got some with my CUC. Luckily I don’t have clams but that could have been bad.

 

[Zionas]

Thanks for all the tips! Really appreciate it. On a side note, is there a rule of thumb when it comes to the quantity of CUC to add? I’ve looked into Astraea and Nassarius snails, as well as Blue Leg and Scarlet Reef Hermits just now. Anything else I need as part of a CUC?