Quarantine

[IronSnake]

I've read way too many methods of quarantine protocols that I'm now more confused than sure. At first, I thought all I needed was to set up a quarantine tank with proper filtration, and dose anti-parasitical, anti-biotic, and Ich-X medication. Do you all also dose for fungus as well? Thanks.

 

[kno4te]

I've read way too many methods of quarantine protocols that I'm now more confused than sure. At first, I thought all I needed was to set up a quarantine tank with proper filtration, and dose anti-parasitical, anti-biotic, and Ich-X medication. Do you all also dose for fungus as well? Thanks.

Usually qt for 1-2 months and as long as no symptoms and eating well. Something should show up by the 2 month period if u wait that long. Then itll be placed in my main tank. That’s what I suggest.

 

[IronSnake]

Usually qt for 1-2 months and as long as no symptoms and eating well. Something should show up by the 2 month period if u wait that long. Then itll be placed in my main tank. That’s what I suggest.

Any preventative medication during those two months, like treat for parasites, especially with the wild-caught ones?

 

[Rocksor]

For wild caught fish, I use Hikari Prazi-pro and then levamisole (different times). I may go ahead and feed hex shield or make something similar with gel food. Quarantine period is at least 3 months. As part of the quarantine process during the 3rd month, I transfer driftwood, decor, or media from the main tank and see if the fish will have a bacterial reaction. Depending on the fish, I may also divide the quarantine tank, and put smaller fish on the other side to see if any bacterial infection occurs between the two. If anything goes wrong, then only the QT is affected.

 

[kno4te]

Any preventative medication during those two months, like treat for parasites, especially with the wild-caught ones?

I usually don’t unless something shows up.

 

[IronSnake]

These are gold, these nuggets of advice are exactly what I couldn't figure out, needing you guys speaking from experience and what works best.

For wild caught fish, I use Hikari Prazi-pro and then levamisole (different times). I may go ahead and feed hex shield or make something similar with gel food. Quarantine period is at least 3 months. As part of the quarantine process during the 3rd month, I transfer driftwood, decor, or media from the main tank and see if the fish will have a bacterial reaction. Depending on the fish, I may also divide the quarantine tank, and put smaller fish on the other side to see if any bacterial infection occurs between the two. If anything goes wrong, then only the QT is affected.

Where did you get your levamisole? Is this the correct one? Levamisole-HCI-Powder

 

[duanes]

I don't dose my quarantines with anything unless I know what I'm dosing for.
Lately my wild fish show up with an ick spot or two, then I just dose with 3ppt salt.
If they have a visible parasite like Lernae, I just remove it with a tweezers.


Remember quarantine is not just about keeping new things out of the established tank, its also about keeping thing your old fish are immune to from the new fish.

 

[IronSnake]

I don't dose my quarantines with anything unless I know what I'm dosing for.
Lately my wild fish show up with an ick spot or two, then I just dose with 3ppt salt.
If they have a visible parasite like Lernae, I just remove it with a tweezers.
Remember quarantine is not just about keeping new things out of the established tank, its also about keeping thing your old fish are immune to from the new fish.

Holy smokes, did you cut the length of the fish skin to extract the parasite? I don't think I have the skills to do stuff like that. I will take all your advise and just quarantine for 3 months, keeping a close eye, and treat them when necessary. Thank you all very much.

 

[celebrist]

I usually don’t unless something shows up.

This

I generally buy in the fall and quarantine all winter putting them in the display tank in the spring when I shutdown my classroom tank and put it in the old quarantine tank. I only dose meds if something goes wrong

OP: I was going to start a thread about this thank you for doing it

 

[Lepisosteus]

I had a 90 gallon QT system for the larger displays when I had freshwater. Most fish stayed minimum 2 weeks in the 90. I had a gar in the QT for over 6 months. For me quarantine is not just about disease and parasites but getting the fish used to you and the foods you offer. This gives it the best chance when placed in the display. For saltwater I don’t QT but I only buy fish that are feeding well and look healthy. When buying from stores I buy the fish that has been in the system for 2 weeks to a month. Fortunately my local stores will hold and perform the QT process for me.