how long in quarantine?

[cksky]

We just got 2 new Oscellaris Clowns and put in the qt tank. I was wondering how long they're supposed to stay there. I've read that it's 3-4 weeks, and I'm seen things that say 6-8 weeks. Just wondering what the best recomendation is.

Also, I eventually want to get some diamond watchman gobies and am wondering how to quarantine these. I am getting them for sifting the sand base, so I was unsure about the qt tank if they will be ok with regular food.

Thanks!

 

[nhlives]

My understanding is 3-4 weeks if there are no signs of illness. If they indicate ich it is 6 weeks AFTER they show now signs of ich. The ich larval stage needs six weeks to run its course.

Some references:
http://www.petsforum.com/personal/trevor-jones/marineich.html
http://www.wetwebmedia.com/QuarMarFishes.htm

 

[kfowler]

Are you going to hypo? I would strongly suggest it. Min of 6 weeks. Some do 8. The rule of thumb on Ich's life cycle is 4 weeks. It can go longer. You also need the extra time to slowly raise the salinity back up to normal.

FYI, just becuase you don't see Ich doesn't mean it's not there. So be patient and wait 6 weeks. I'm adding a Firefish goby to my QT tank today.

 

[Shagsbeard]

Watchman gobies need a lot of room. Don't get two until you read up on them.

 

[fish 511]

Like most things in this hobby, longer never hurts

 

[cksky]

What does it mean to "hypo"? Also, the watchman gobies are a bit down the line. We're getting ready to set up a 125 gallon, and we would need to wait for the clowns to get out of quarantine anyway.

My question regarding the gobies is how to keep them in quarantine if their main "job" is sand sifting and there is no sand in the qt.

I have no problem leaving these fish in qt for as long as I need to. I have learned the hard way that patience is a virtue and unfortunately you pay for a lack of patience!

Thanks for the info and keep it coming!

 

[Myka]

I have been told 6 weeks...so that's how long my Yasha Goby will be in there.

Hypo is short for hyposalinity which is when you put your salinity to 1.009. You need to use a refractometer to set your salinity because it needs to be really exact or you could kill the fish. I'm not fully on the understanding of it, but it's suppose to help with parasites n stuff.

My Goby eats frozen Mysis shrimp like they're going out of style. He's quite the pig. Most Gobies are easy to feed. They like Cyclopeeze too.

 

[cksky]

Well, I lowered my salinity to 1.017, but I didn't know I was supposed to lower it that much! I'm still using a hydrometer, though, so maybe I'm better off where I'm at.

I gave the clowns mysis shrimp this morning and they did not like them!

We're going to try supplemented brine shrimp tonight and see if they like it. They really like the pellets I have! Go figure!

Thanks for all the info! If anyone else has any suggestions or tips, please let me know.

 

[Myka]

You can't do hypo without a refractometer. I think it might be wiser to just put your salinity at 1.025 or 1.026 than where you're at, but best ask the experts. My QT is at 1.026 because I don't have a refractometer.

Odd that the clowns don't like Mysis...

 

[Nano Chris]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9209196#post9209196 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by cksky
Well, I lowered my salinity to 1.017, but I didn't know I was supposed to lower it that much! I'm still using a hydrometer, though, so maybe I'm better off where I'm at.

I gave the clowns mysis shrimp this morning and they did not like them!

We're going to try supplemented brine shrimp tonight and see if they like it. They really like the pellets I have! Go figure!

Thanks for all the info! If anyone else has any suggestions or tips, please let me know.

It might take a few days for the clowns to start eating, mine did the same thing, now they eat every time i put food in the tank.