Would you trust LFS

[Mr. Limpid]

I've been trying to QT a Naso tang, without success. Main reason is my QT is 20 long and the Naso get stressed and develops other issues. My two choices are buy a bigger QT for one fish or LFS says they run copper in their tank (at proper levels) and they recommend acclimate the fish fresh water dip them and put them direct into my DT. Currently I have 7 fish in my tank all doing great. Which would you do? Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[Crabs McJones]

I've been trying to QT a Naso tang, without success. Main reason is my QT is 20 long and the Naso get stressed and develops other issues. My two choices are buy a bigger QT for one fish or LFS says they run copper in their tank (at proper levels) and they recommend acclimate the fish fresh water dip them and put them direct into my DT. Currently I have 7 fish in my tank all doing great. Which would you do? Thanks for your thoughts.

In my gods honest opinion I never trust what the people at the fish store tell me. Unfortunately I feel they're only in it for the money, and they'll tell you whatever they can to make a sale and keep a sale. With that being said, you can look into just a cheap aqueon tank if y0u need something bigger. Petco has their dollar per gallon sale many times throughout the year, and you can get a 40 breeder for around 40-50 bucks with a hang on back filter.

 

[Mr. Limpid]

Thanks MC-Jones, that is my thinking as well about LFS.

 

[Greybeard]

Trust is earned.

I assume the guy at a fish store is cheap help, fresh off the street... until proven otherwise.

On the other hand, I don't quarantine. The main reason I don't, is because of exactly what you're experiencing. Placing an already stressed out animal in solitary confinement, in an unnatural looking, undersized environment, usually with poor water quality, exposed to medications that they may well not need is a good way to kill your new fish.

Yes, I realize this is an unpopular opinion, and goes against the current idea of 'best practices'. I'm not recommending people quit quarantining fish, but just reminding people that not everyone does this.

 

[Kyl]

Fish store is there to sell you fish, and unless they're charging at least 2x+ more for the naso than is normal, it's not being quarantined fully. I doubt there are more than a hand full of LFS in either country that actually fully quarantine any fish, it's just not financially feasible. People will balk at the cost and trust the next store that runs their fish in sub-therapeutic copper with heavy UV so it looks to be disease free.

As for your tang, a 20L probably won't be adequate for anything other than small juveniles. You have to think about stress levels with a fish that has just come from a store tank with god knows what going on in there, and multiple other fish keeping it agitated, then to your tank, etc etc.

 

[Mr. Limpid]

Kyl, I respect your comment, but all my fish other than the 3 Heniochus were QT'd in a 10gal. I have a little more space so upgraded to the 20 long.
Greybeard, your comment make sense about the undersized environment, so how do you handle adding new fish to your established tank. Especially with all the fish now a days having ick and other issues?

 

[ca1ore]

Unfortunately I feel they're only in it for the money, and they'll tell you whatever they can to make a sale and keep a sale.

Although I am sure this is occasionally true, I think the main problem with LFS employees is that they are prone to parroting the myths and bad advice that has been rife in this hobby for years. Heck, you see a ton of it in places like this. The difference is that there are a handful of truly experienced and knowledgeable reefers here (and on RC) that are able to steer you in the right direction. Those folks generally are not hanging out at the LFS just in case or come bursting through doors at the first sign of bad advice (Nobody expects the Spanish inquisition .....). There are good LFS employees of course, but sadly in the minority.

 

[Halal Hotdog]

There is a couple things you can do outside of QT. Go in on a random day and ask the LFS if they could do a copper test in front of you, and also bring your kit just in case they don't have the necessary tools, or you don't trust the brand of kit they are using. I doubt they would refuse, but if they do refuse then absolutely don't trust them. If copper level seems adequate purchase the fish and have it held there for 2-3 weeks. Stop by a couple of times during that period and just watch the fish and ask to have it fed. As long as all of that checks out then I would imagine that is the safest way to buy and put straight in your DT without quarantining.

 

[ca1ore]

On the other hand, I don't quarantine. The main reason I don't, is because of exactly what you're experiencing. Placing an already stressed out animal in solitary confinement, in an unnatural looking, undersized environment, usually with poor water quality, exposed to medications that they may well not need is a good way to kill your new fish. Yes, I realize this is an unpopular opinion, and goes against the current idea of 'best practices'. I'm not recommending people quit quarantining fish, but just reminding people that not everyone does this.

We all do as we think best. My view, to 'borrow' your phrasing, is that placing an already stressed out animal in an established community where the majority of the residents are out to end you is a good way to kill your new fish. All a matter of perspective, I suppose. Also, no reason that a QT must have poor water quality or that medications must be done prophylactically.

 

[Crabs McJones]

Although I am sure this is occasionally true, I think the main problem with LFS employees is that they are prone to parroting the myths and bad advice that has been rife in this hobby for years. Heck, you see a ton of it in places like this. The difference is that there are a handful of truly experienced and knowledgeable reefers here (and on RC) that are able to steer you in the right direction. Those folks generally are not hanging out at the LFS just in case or come bursting through doors at the first sign of bad advice (Nobody expects the Spanish inquisition .....). There are good LFS employees of course, but sadly in the minority.

 

[ca1ore]

I've been trying to QT a Naso tang, without success. Main reason is my QT is 20 long and the Naso get stressed and develops other issues. My two choices are buy a bigger QT for one fish or LFS says they run copper in their tank (at proper levels) and they recommend acclimate the fish fresh water dip them and put them direct into my DT. Currently I have 7 fish in my tank all doing great. Which would you do? Thanks for your thoughts.

Despite convention, the naso (assume you mean liturgis) is not an easy fish to acclimate and a lot of them refuse to feed or develop disease problems. Most LFS run therapeutic levels of copper which are really good at masking the symptoms of things like ich. I tend to be of the view that the longer a fish has been at the LFS, the more likely it is to have contracted some kind of disease. If you think the size of the QT is the issue, I would get a larger one before I would put an new fish straight into my display (but I have close to 80 fish, so am no taking any chances).

 

[ca1ore]

OH that makes me laugh. Brilliant. I often make pop culture references in my posts and it makes me chuckle when folks get them ......

 

[NeuroticAquatics]

Are you planning on adding more fish in the future? If so, I’d do the “buy a larger QT” idea. I trust myself more than any LFS.

I run a 60g QT now. It has PVC and live rock. The fish that I have put through it have not shown any signs of stress after the initial introduction into the tank. I just took out two Black Pyramid Butterflies and a Potters Angel. They are now in my 240g, healthy and happy.

 

[Rispa]

Keep an eye out and post a wanted ad on Craigslist. You might be able to find a a used scratched up tank for cheap Also have any of you guys right about adding glass orniments in the qt tank? That way the fish has something to swim thrive and hide behind, but it my affect the medicines.

 

[Mr. Limpid]

Are you planning on adding more fish in the future? If so, I’d do the “buy a larger QT” idea. I trust myself more than any LFS.

I run a 60g QT now. It has PVC and live rock. The fish that I have put through it have not shown any signs of stress after the initial introduction into the tank. I just took out two Black Pyramid Butterflies and a Potters Angel. They are now in my 240g, healthy and happy.

Yes I will, that tank is larger than my original tank which was a 30 long. Back when I started this hobby a 55 gal. was considered big tank. My issue is space, my wife aloud me the 180 gal. tank because it looks nice.

 

[Rispa]

Yes I will, that tank is larger than my original tank which was a 30 long. Back when I started this hobby a 55 gal. was considered big tank. My issue is space, my wife aloud me the 180 gal. tank because it looks nice.

You could bring up the point that the big quarantine tank is temporary and doesn't have to be set up most of the time.

 

[Jesterrace]

In my gods honest opinion I never trust what the people at the fish store tell me. Unfortunately I feel they're only in it for the money, and they'll tell you whatever they can to make a sale and keep a sale. With that being said, you can look into just a cheap aqueon tank if y0u need something bigger. Petco has their dollar per gallon sale many times throughout the year, and you can get a 40 breeder for around 40-50 bucks with a hang on back filter.

FYI, Petco no longer does the dollar per gallon on the 40 gallon or larger tanks, they do 50% off on them so it works out to about $56 on the 40 breeder.

 

[Rispa]

FYI, Petco no longer does the dollar per gallon on the 40 gallon or larger tanks, they do 50% off on them so it works out to about $56 on the 40 breeder.

Boo! That was such a good sale.

 

[Mr. Limpid]

There is a couple things you can do outside of QT. Go in on a random day and ask the LFS if they could do a copper test in front of you, and also bring your kit just in case they don't have the necessary tools, or you don't trust the brand of kit they are using. I doubt they would refuse, but if they do refuse then absolutely don't trust them. If copper level seems adequate purchase the fish and have it held there for 2-3 weeks. Stop by a couple of times during that period and just watch the fish and ask to have it fed. As long as all of that checks out then I would imagine that is the safest way to buy and put straight in your DT without quarantining.

I thought of that about them holding it for some time, but they would be adding new fish to the system during those 2-3 weeks. This cause the clock to restart each time. Even thought if I asked which Naso was there the longest and found out what day they get new fish in and take him home the day before. Would the one week be enough time? I'm leaning toward the larger QT tank or giving up on the Naso.

 

[HB AL]

I trust my lfs but then again ive been going there for 30 years.