Quarantine Questions

[BichirRelic]

I just ordered an ornate and palmas polli bichir from Rehobothaquatics that should be arriving tomorow and I want to do this whole shebang right with my new friends, so here are my questions.

1.) How long should I leave the Bichirs in quarantine.

2.) How large should the tank they are being quarantined in be? (factoring in 4-6 inch babies)

3.) What other steps should I take to insure a smooth transition to their new home?

Also, is bad that I'm leaving work as soon as they arrive so I can take care of them myself?

 

[flamenco-t]

1. Most parasite have 4-6 weeks life cycle, so I usually do 4-6 weeks. THis should give you plenty of time to get them adjust to your food versus dumping it straight to the tank and having them to compete for food with its tankmates.

2. 20 gallon is fine, WC is crucial IMO, with 20 gakllon is easy to do WC. Make sure you know how to setup a QT tank to carry over bio bacteria. I usually leave the fish as is for a week without food. Then start to train them on your food. All toyin's fish are wild caught, so chances are they have never seen a dead food.

3. Open the bag slowly to release CO2, then close it. Wait another minute or two then close it, do this 2-3 more times.. CO2 decrease PH, O2 increase PH. Opening the bag rapidly can cause a PH shocks. Once the bag is opened, test the bag water PH and your QT tank PH. Make sure they are the same, if so, acclimate for temp. If not, drip some water from the tank to the bag slowly to equalize PH

stan

 

[Hapdude]

:I agree very well stated Stan. I would add; no direct lighting, maybe covering the tank with a towel, and don't spend all day with your nose pressed up against the glass looking at your new babies! Keeping them as close to stress free will settle them down more quickly~ IMHO Let us know how they're doing!

 

[BichirRelic]

Will do, I will post pics as soon as I can