quarantine tank?

[Don4921]

is a quaranteen tank a good idea? if so how big and how long do you lieave a fish in their?

[Zoodiver]

Yes, it's a good idea. I'd run any new fish in one for 30 days prior to introducing it to an established tank.

30 days allows for time for most issues (ie:parasites) to show themselves if they are not evident at the time of purchase. It will also allow you to treat without having to dose an entire tank.

Also, it allows for removal of a fish from the main tank if an issues arises down the line -whether it be aggresssion or in need of medical attention.

[mainy999]

Yeah its definitely a good idea. Especially when introducing new fish. It allows some time for parasites to show themselves if they were not evident at the shop. ANNND if one of your fish gets sick you can always remove it and throw it in quarantine (which is nice, cause you dont want anything spreading)

[TONY60]

Quarintine tanks are the difference between a sad loss and a disaster. It sucks to see your new babies die. But, it's even worse if they take the disease to one of your display tanks. Then you might loose everything. My books say 4 weeks if the fish was not exposed to wild fish. 6 weeks if they were. Fish diseases can be dormant or unnoticed untill it's too late. The size should be dictated by the size and behavior of the fish. Most folk don't put plants in quarintine tanks. And, if I may suggest. Use something like pepso food for the first feeding. It has always worked for me. Constipation kills lots of fish. Get them pooping first thing. Guppy might recomend skinned peas or something like that. But, Guppy probably cooks 7 course meals for their fish. BE-ELZA BUBBA DEVIL FISH

[Don4921]

thanx for the tips :clap would a 30 gallon tank be sufficient for a 210 gallon tank?

[Don4921]

should there be sand or any other organisms in the tank?

[TONY60]

thanx for the tips :clap would a 30 gallon tank be sufficient for a 210 gallon tank?
A 30 gal may be a perfect isolation tank size. The tank needs to be big enough to house your new fish comfortably. If you want a huge fish in your 210 gal, you might start off with an imature specamin and let it grow under your care. And, a side note on buying young fish. First, they will be priced lower. Second, many fish reach adult size in one or two years. Third, many LFS fish have been raised in very tight quarters. This may make it's size be stunted. It may never reach normal size.
As for the tank layout: I do keep a light load of gravel in mine. Some fish freak out without it. I think they are afraid of falling through or something. Substrate is not absalutly a necesaty. The filter should house the work horse load of bacteria.
Shoot, you might put your 30 gal filter media in your main tanks filter for a while just to avoid the cycling phenominon. Best of luck and remember to listen to yourr inner voice: If it don't feel right, back up and try another idea.

[Don4921]

thanx ill keep it in mind

[Zoodiver]

Just remember when using substrate to get rid of it and replace it with fresh stuff between fish that are being run in quarantine.

[puffer_girl]

I have a 20 gal that I use to quarantine feeders. Saves me from making trips to the lfs store on a daily basis also!!!!! :grinyes:

[Cyclop3000]

I saved some of my monsters with my hospital/quarantine tank, I would never go without one anymore. If you value your fish, it's well worth it. I would not put substrate in there tho, like zoodiver said substrate can house parasites so you would have to use new substrate every time.

[spotfin]

I don't use any substrate in my qt tanks. Certain parasites (like ick) spend some part of their life cycle in/on substrate. It is easier to remove some of the parasites from a bare bottom tank with water changes. Some medications will also bind with certain types of substrate too, making them less effective. I also paint the bottom glass black with spray paint. Plastic plants and pvc pipes make good cover for the fish while in qt.

[spotfin]

It's also a good idea to wait an additonal 3-4 weeks after you finish treating your fish before adding them to the main display tank. Just to make sure the parasites are gone.