QT Tank Mates

jwwoodjr · Sep 11, 2020

I'm looking at getting a six line wrasse and midas blenny. Can they go into a 10 gallon quarantine tank together or should I quarantine them separately? The tank has several PVC fittings for hiding but I'm not sure a 10 gallon tank will be big enough for both of them. Thanks in advance.

Alchameth · Sep 11, 2020

I'd imagine it would be fine. I've had a few in QT together over the years that coexisted, but once they hit the DT it was on. Most recent was an orchid dottyback and black cap basslet in QT together, once they got to the DT the dottyback was relentless chasing the basslet. Ended up moving the basslet into another tank and the black neon dottyback in that tank which also had it out for the basslet.

AC1211 · Sep 11, 2020

Alchameth said:
I'd imagine it would be fine. I've had a few in QT together over the years that coexisted, but once they hit the DT it was on. Most recent was an orchid dottyback and black cap basslet in QT together, once they got to the DT the dottyback was relentless chasing the basslet. Ended up moving the basslet into another tank and the black neon dottyback in that tank which also had it out for the basslet.

It is due to more structure to fight over in the DT and more overall competition.

Jay Hemdal · Sep 11, 2020

jwwoodjr said:
I'm looking at getting a six line wrasse and midas blenny. Can they go into a 10 gallon quarantine tank together or should I quarantine them separately? The tank has several PVC fittings for hiding but I'm not sure a 10 gallon tank will be big enough for both of them. Thanks in advance.

What are the relative sizes of the 2 fish? A large Midas blenny might not be compatible with a small wrasse. Tank size is also a factor in bioload, be sure to manage your ammonia well.
Jay

Alchameth · Sep 11, 2020

AC1211 said:
It is due to more structure to fight over in the DT and more overall competition.

Ya, and the stress of being in QT. Also the Basslet is pretty shy and very peaceful where the dottyback ... well the neons are nice to look at, specially the black ones, but they can be jerks! Wasn't the best 2 fishes to add at the same time. Eventually he ended up back in the 90g with the orchid and they had a tentative peace.

artieg1 · Sep 11, 2020

Probably will be ok, as those aren't large fish. Be sure to ensure robust water flow (oxygen) and I personally change 25% of water every 3-4 days (ammonia). I wouldn't add anything else. Even in a 20 gallon QT, which I have, that is the most I would put in. More fish = more variables = harder to figure out what is going on.