Shorter QT time

OrthoVet05 · Nov 9, 2017

Hey guys. I recently picked up a 20 gal tank for QT. I definitely know the risks of not QT versus QT but honestly the practices of running 5 tanks, waiting 76 days, dosing copper etc seems like a lot of work as I’m sure we can all agree on.

Versus those that don’t QT at all, would a modified QT of 14-21 days be of benefit ? Basically for monitoring purposes and maybe to dose copper ? I know that I could still get some cysts to hatch after 76 days... just wanted fellow reefers personal experiences. Thanks!

Palyzoa · Nov 9, 2017

@Humblefish should be able to answer your question.

Highgrade · Nov 9, 2017

At a minimum 6 weeks but if at all possible go longer.

Humblefish · Nov 9, 2017

One "shortcut" that would be acceptable is to treat the fish with copper or CP for 10-14 days, and then transfer him to another QT at least 10 feet away (due to aerosol transmission).

You then probably want to deworm using Prazipro in QT#2.

One downside to this method is there is absolutely no margin for error. The copper/CP must be maintained at therapeutic for the entire 10-14 days and you can't reuse anything from QT#1 for QT#2.