Quarantine Rays..... input/suggestions?

[E.C.H]

I'm relatively new to Rays and looking to pick up one, if not two WC Rays. I've done a little bit of research on the forum but wanted to steamline my search and get direct input. The rays will be approx. 8"-10" and hopefully quarantine at the importers facility. But when I take delivery, I'll have to quarantine myself. Wanted to see how others have done it and what methods of quarantine work best. I've QT'd fish before using Prazipro and repeating the dosage after a couple of weeks (per the bottle).

Any other methods, suggestions or input on method, temperature, most efficent size tank, foods, etc. would be appreciated!

 

[Gshock]

I always use my 75 as my q tank, 48Lx18Wx21H. Wide enough to temporarily accomodate rays or various sizes, big enough for some swimming room, and also short enough so i can reach the bottom of my tank with my hands. Most important thing is to get them eating. You'll be need alot of worms for that. Generally, blackworms work best, but bloodworms and earthworms work too. I personally use earthworms mostly as it is cheapest out of all of them. Temp probably 80-86, up to you, depending on what you have going on in the tank. Best to get them eating before trying any sort of meds, but there are some exceptions. I generally quarantine 3-4 weeks, some people do longer or shorter, its up to you.

 

[E.C.H]

Thanks GShock. How much filtration do you typically use and how much water flow? What form of media do you prefer if using canisters (or Aquaclears)? Salt/No Carbon/Etc?

 

[West1]

Thanks GShock. How much filtration do you typically use and how much water flow? What form of media do you prefer if using canisters (or Aquaclears)? Salt/No Carbon/Etc?

Personally, Carbon is a waste of money... I dont use it.

I wish I had a Ray but I do have a grow out tank with about 7fish. Its a 50gl with a RenaX3 filled with ceramic rings connected to a 25watt UV. Also have 2 sponge filters in there to with every other day water changes. I will start PraziPro tomorrow for my W/C fishes

I PraziPro for 30 days (JM2Cents)

 

[E.C.H]

Its a 50gl with a RenaX3 filled with ceramic rings connected to a 25watt UV. Also have 2 sponge filters in there to with every other day water changes.

Thanks West1. That's something to consider, a UV Sterilizer! Wonder if it's beneficial enough to drop that kind of money on it.

 

[West1]

To me it is... when I use Meds (rarely use but do have) I turn off the UV... also takes care of a lot of the Alge in my tank

 

[Gshock]

I agree too, carbon is a waste of money and anyways, prazi advises you to remove carbon before using and im too lazy to take it out everytime. If possible, I'd use a sump, but if its just canister or HOB option, I would definitely choose canister. I fill my canisters and sumps with filter pads and floss for mechanical, and then bioballs for biological. It's filled half half, half media, half balls. sponge filter is a bonus, if you feel you don't have enough airaetion, you can add one, i personally don't use it. No clue on the UV either, I havent used one before.

 

[Zoodiver]

Q a ray for 30 days or more. No less. You need to Q the animal for what would be the intire lifecycle of any possible bugs coming in on it.

No carbon. Carbon pulls meds out of the water, making them useless.

Get the rays eating first. It's the single most important thing to me. Only use meds if you need too. In most cases, watching is enough. Treat only known issues. Throwing meds as a shot in the dark will more times than not compromise the animals.

If you want to use a preset Q method, for my wild caught rays I started with 7 days of formalin. Prazi will also work, but some bugs Prazi misses, formalin will kill. Gave a three day break, then treated for internal bugs with Panacur (or some other type of dewormer). Heads up that most internal dewormers will knock them off of food for a bit.

As for UV, it's a good tool, but don't rely on it 100%. Most copepods are resistant to UV. For a more effective sterilizing method, look into Ozone dosing. Just make sure you understand proper use of it before adding it to a system.