Quarantine for 6 juvenile Sajica

[Dwl0222]

What size quarantine tank would you guys recommend for 6 juvenile Sajica? Their size is supposedly going to be around 1.5 inches. Is a 10 gallon too small? How long do i keep them in there? Anything else I need to know of should do? This is my first attempt at doing this, so just looking for some advice. Thanks!

 

[Gourami Swami]

10 is a bit on the small side, 20 + would be better. But if there is no other option, the 10 gallon would probably be okay for 1.5" fish, just keep the water clean.
I would just keep them in there an keep an eye on them, be on the lookout for signs of disease or parasite. 1-2 months is average time.

 

[Dwl0222]

Thanks. I kinda figured that would be the answer...I do have a 20L, 29, and 40b laying around, just might have to clean em up a bit to get them ready. The 10 is the only one I have currently good to go so figured I’d ask.

 

[Dwl0222]

How do you set up a quarantine tank? I mean a hospital tank wouldn’t have substrate or decorations or anything typically...same for a quarantine I assume?

 

[tlindsey]

How do you set up a quarantine tank? I mean a hospital tank wouldn’t have substrate or decorations or anything typically...same for a quarantine I assume?

It's your preference but for easier maintenance no substrate bare bottom. You could toss a couple of plastic plants in If you like.

 

[Dwl0222]

It's your preference but for easier maintenance no substrate bare bottom. You could toss a couple of plastic plants in If you like.

Thank you, I’ll definitely keep it without substrate but I will probably throw in a few plants or something to give a couple hideouts.

 

[duanes]

I agree with the others, a bare bottom 20 with lots of clay pots as hideouts, and some seasoned filter media from the tank they will end up in.
And over the 2 months quarantine, I'd add a little water from the tank they are going into, every day.
Quarantine is not just about keeping them away from other fish, it is also a gradual acclimatization to the type water, and bacteria they will be in for, in the main tank.

 

[Dwl0222]

I agree with the others, a bare bottom 20 with lots of clay pots as hideouts, and some seasoned filter media from the tank they will end up in.
And over the 2 months quarantine, I'd add a little water from the tank they are going into, every day.
Quarantine is not just about keeping them away from other fish, it is also a gradual acclimatization to the type water, and bacteria they will be in for, in the main tank.

Sounds great. If I put them in a 20, will a single small sponge filter be good enough? I have had a couple sponges in my ac110 for over a month now...should I get a small AC20/30 and put one sponge on the intake as well as the diy sponge filter? I don’t have any clay pots, but maybe I’ll grab some short 3 inch diameter or so pvc to act as caves. When you say add some water, how much are we talking? A water change or just grab a 16oz cup or something every day and pour it in?

 

[tiger15]

Sponge filter is great for quarantined tank, easy to clean and accommodating to medication if needed.

1.5 inch Sajica are decent size fish, ready to be sexable. Sajica have not been hardy for me, susceptible to bloat and bacterial infections. I lost many before a few reached adulthood.

 

[duanes]

Females are actually almost ready to spawn at 2", I believe the first time mine spawned the female was @ 2", of course the male was about 3 Xs her size.

Sajica come from very pristine water conditions in Costa Rica, where they are in constant water change, and if water is kept pristine will be very healthy, I did 30-40% water changes every other day on their tank to keep nitrate in the single digit range.
If I slacked off, they quickly became subject to infections.