hospital tank?

[tiababygirl2]

I have 3 new fish coming{ nothing larger then 2" }. so will a 3 gal tank be large enough ,to hold them for a few days? I'm thinking of adding small piece of live rock.. also thinking of adding 1 gal from display and 2 gal freshly made saltwater..
Thanks for help... Ruth

 

[Charfish]

IMO that will be a bit small for you...not only water quality in such a small volume can suffer quickly but even small fish will seek "elbow room" and I'm afraid they may increase the stress amongst themselves confined to such a small space. If you are quarantining new arrivals, you will want to hold them for more than a couple days. (I know it is hard not to get them into your DT right away) The primary concern is importing "ich" to your tank - by QT the fish for several weeks you are allowing for the complete life cycle of the pathogen and stopping its continuation.

 

[tiababygirl2]

thanks.. ok I'll do a 10 gal. that should be big enough .so it takes 2 weeks .before adding to display tank?
thanks again Ruth

 

[Charfish]

about everyone on here that quarantines will do so for approx a month with no signs of illness...if you need to treat a sick fish you'll need to start the month countdown over at the end of treatment... this will ensure that the life-cycle of the pathogen is indeed broken and shouldn't flare up again. 10 gallons is still on the small side, just stay on top of the water parameters...

 

[tiababygirl2]

I will do water changes... and wait 3 to 4 weeks.. I added live to help cycle and 5 gal water from display tank. { I will remove rock before adding fish} I might add some fake plants to help give hiding spots..thanks