To quarantine or not to quarantine....

[ronsgirl520]

As I get ready to start ordering everything for my first SW tank (125 gallons), I would like to know what size quarantine tank to set up. I get mixed feedback on this. Some have told me they dont quarentine as they have been with the dealer long enough and they quarentine them. The more I look into this topic Ive learned that my fish can be fine at the dealer, become stressed on the ride home, and then get sick.

So I'm pretty sure I should quarantine, but for how long? In the book Im reading it says 3 weeks per fish! The local dealer says 5 days should be plenty. Another source said at least 8-10 days. So, Im lost on this one.

Ive also read a 10 gallon tank should be good enough to serve as my quarantine tank. Most of the fish Im getting I will buy while they are still young and smaller but not sure if that is big enough to put a young eel in. Im going to get a snowflake eel if that helps in the feedback you give me.

Thanks!

 

[ks_reeftank]

im also interested in everyones answer to this. i quarantined some snails and crabs for 30 days, no meds in a 10g tank. right now i have a tang in a 29g in quaratine. using cupramine , by directions it said to dose, wait 48 hrs then dose again checking copper levels then hold that for 14 days.

so depending on what you are quarantining (fish, inverts) and what ,if any, meds you use is the answer to your question. but this like anything else, im sure there is 100 different opinions out there.

will never put anything in my DT with the use of a QT again !

 

[Aquaph8]

I like to go with a 20L and feel pretty comfortable using it for most any fish, at least any fish that I would put in my display. I always QT my fish for 4-8 weeks depending on the fish, where it came from and whether or not I felt the need to treat it for anything. Most times I go eight weeks.

 

[ronsgirl520]

Im only going to be quarantining fish as my eel will eat any inverts I put in the tank. So overwhelming! I know nothing about medicines either. :-(

 

[ronsgirl520]

Thanks Brett! This new hobby of mine will be teaching me patience, that is for sure! I know you cant believe you see everything on tv but I envy the people on the show "Tanked" who get all their fish at the same time and dont have to wait to add each fish. They probably end up with dead fish though so I guess I shouldnt complain.

 

[Aquaph8]

Patience is the key, figuring that out is half the battle, your on your way now. Keep in mind how much editing and behind the scenes that goes on that show that you don't see. You'll figure it all out along the way, if you have any questions as you go post them up

 

[Squishie89]

Get the quarantine guide by mr.saltwatertank it is phenomenal and very helpful.
Mr. Saltwater Tank | Success Store

 

[ronsgirl520]

Get the quarantine guide by mr.saltwatertank it is phenomenal and very helpful.
Mr. Saltwater Tank | Success Store

Just took your advise and purchased the book you mentioned. Yikes! Most expensive book I have ever purchased but feel it will be worth my investment when it is all said and done. I surely would rather spend $87 on a book than loose hundreds of dollars on fish due to lack of knowledge. Thank you for your your help!

 

[Aquaph8]

We want a review after you read it. Please

 

[ronsgirl520]

We want a review after you read it. Please

You got it!

 

[ronsgirl520]

We want a review after you read it. Please

Would you mind reviewing my thread in the fish discussion area? Its titled "what do you think of my fish lineup? Will it work?" I just posted it maybe an hour ago and no one has left any feedback yet. Im eager to see what everyone thinks!

 

[chort55]

To answer the title question.... If you think you will get mad and think that its the vendor you got your fish froms fault that you lost fish or contracted a disease in your tank then yes QT 1005% of the time for 6-8 weeks minimum. If you understand the risks and know that if something bad happens its ultimately your fault and responsibility then well, its your call. lol

 

[Squishie89]

Just took your advise and purchased the book you mentioned. Yikes! Most expensive book I have ever purchased but feel it will be worth my investment when it is all said and done. I surely would rather spend $87 on a book than loose hundreds of dollars on fish due to lack of knowledge. Thank you for your your help!

My textbooks cost 2-3 times that =X But, Mark (Mr. SWT) is 1. very helpful. You can comment on the videos (Don't forget to check out the special videos just for people who bought the book!!!!) and he will personally reply about your issue. 2. easy to understand. He doesn't use a lot of technical terms or anything, he tells you how it is. 3. As you said, the investment is worth it. It is very tempting to put in that healthy looking fish into your tank, but, I would rather be patient and a bit frustrated then potentially kill all my wonderful, expensive critters.

We want a review after you read it. Please

I have not finished reading it. He includes videos for buyers that kind of sum up the book that I have watched, which were very helpful. But of what I have read, amazing. Very informative, very well written and researched. If you already QT well and have no issues in that department, I wouldn't bother with it really.

 

[Aquaph8]

Thanks Jessica.

 

[Murfman]

Live Aquaria, does a good job of QT and has a 14 day guarantee on your fish. Unique corals does QT but has limited fish selection. Depending on the size of your fish, as you get them, will depend on the size of your QT tank. A large sailfin is not going to do well in a 20L.

 

[Aquaph8]

A large sailfin doesn't belong in a 125 either though and I've had plenty of fish come in from even LA divers den with disease. They do have the greatest customer service and guarantee there is but it's better to remove that diseased/dead fish from the QT than the display with all your other fish.

 

[ronsgirl520]

Thank you everyone! Your feedback has been much appreciated. I think I will get a 10 gallon quarantine tank to start.