How Do You Reefer Quarantine?

[Kehaulani]

Hey guys. I have a 20 gallon long quarentee tank. I may be purchasing a tang but before I do, was wondering how you guys treat fish when you quarentee them. I haven't really used my tank except once and the fish that was in there died. So I'm trying to get some advice before doing it again.

Would it be wise to start treating the fish with copper once I get him or just leave him be and see if any signs show up? Should I feed him a certain food, like IchShield? What's the best way? He is eating and swimming around alot.

What do you guys do and for how long is a good quarentee process?

Thanks in advance

 

[Humblefish]

My QT process is outlined here: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/how-to-quarantine.189815/

Look for "Option A".

 

[Kehaulani]

My QT process is outlined here: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/how-to-quarantine.189815/

Look for "Option A".

Thanks that helps out alot. I actually read through your thread a while back. It's really informative! Do you think option A is the best? Should I be treating for any bacterial or fungal infection?

 

[Humblefish]

Thanks that helps out alot. I actually read through your thread a while back. It's really informative! Do you think option A is the best? Should I be treating for any bacterial or fungal infection?

You only need to treat for ich and flukes prophylactically. All other diseases will present themselves with obvious physical symptoms within one month. Therefore, I strongly advocate TTM for those who have the time to do it: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/tank-transfer-method.192655/

 

[Kehaulani]

You only need to treat for ich and flukes prophylactically. All other diseases will present themselves with obvious physical symptoms within one month. Therefore, I strongly advocate TTM for those who have the time to do it: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/tank-transfer-method.192655/

So if any signs of bacterial or fungal disease show themselves just treat them accordingly? What would be the signs to differentiate the two illnesses? Bumps, blotchy spots?

 

[Humblefish]

So if any signs of bacterial or fungal disease show themselves just treat them accordingly? What would be the signs to differentiate the two illnesses? Bumps, blotchy spots?

True fungus is very rare in saltwater fish, almost unheard of. Much more common in freshwater. I believe the presence of saltwater kills most fungi.

Now bacterial infections are another story. It is often encountered as a "secondary illness" when a fish has a preexisting parasitic infestation such as ich or (especially) velvet. All those tiny bite marks from the parasites are just waiting to get infected from a fish with an already compromised immune system. Sometimes a bacterial infection is self-describing: Popeye/cloudy eyes, fin & tail rot, dropsy (bloated fish), etc. But some other bacterial infections, such as furunculosis, hemorrhagic septicemia, etc., can have varying visible symptoms. Any "redness" or open sores/wounds on a fish should be viewed with suspicion. Also, a white film or "fungus" looking growth can denote a bacterial infection.

More detailed info on bacterial infections can be found here: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/bacterial-infections.191511/

 

[Kehaulani]

True fungus is very rare in saltwater fish, almost unheard of. Much more common in freshwater. I believe the presence of saltwater kills most fungi.

Now bacterial infections are another story. It is often encountered as a "secondary illness" when a fish has a preexisting parasitic infestation such as ich or (especially) velvet. All those tiny bite marks from the parasites are just waiting to get infected from a fish with an already compromised immune system. Sometimes a bacterial infection is self-describing: Popeye/cloudy eyes, fin & tail rot, dropsy (bloated fish), etc. But some other bacterial infections, such as furunculosis, hemorrhagic septicemia, etc., can have varying visible symptoms. Any "redness" or open sores/wounds on a fish should be viewed with suspicion. Also, a white film or "fungus" looking growth can denote a bacterial infection.

More detailed info on bacterial infections can be found here: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/bacterial-infections.191511/

Thank you for all the information. You are very helpful! I appreciate you sharing your knowledge!