Ick..... Temp?
- Thread starter arthur08
- Start date
MrTuskfish
Team RC
This is not a reason to avoid a QT. No LFS properly quarantines fish.
humaguy
Premium Member
It is amazing to me how often the qt issue comes up...
It appears in so many different threads from so many different catagories and is met by such resistance and even distain by too many people...
Then there is surprise when fish are lost...
Ugh...:deadhorse::deadhorse:
rssjsb
New member
This may not apply to the OP, but I think QT fish intimidates a lot of new hobbyists. When I started out, it seemed like a minor miracle that everything was running ok in the DT. Aside from finding space for it and spending the extra $$, I was so nervous about doing something wrong that the idea of setting up a separate tank and handling the fish even more than I had to already seemed like just another opportunity for me to screw something up.
Not everyone is as neurotic as me, but it could explain why people are so resistant to the concept. Of course, after a while, setting up another tank is no big deal and I wouldn't do without QT. But it was a hurtle.
gone fishin
New member
This may be true but it is not an excuse after doing some research. Even if someone does not read the stickies a simple search on ich or Qt here should be enough to convince someone. some of these fish cost more than to setup a QT. When I started a few years ago I promptly got ich. After a quick search I used QT ever since and no Ich. Just cheap insurance IMO.
MrTuskfish
Team RC
One plus to not using a QT: There is a lot of cheap stuff for beginners on Craigslist. Our hobby has a tremendous turnover rate; I'm convinced that not using a QT is the #1 reason.
I can't imagine starting anything like this hobby without doing some basic research. Any basic research will suggest a QT.
A final thought: Ever notice the equipment lists on the ''New Hobbyists'' forum? They never include a QT. Of course, 99% of the posts with equipment suggestions are new to the forum too.
I can't imagine starting anything like this hobby without doing some basic research. Any basic research will suggest a QT.
A final thought: Ever notice the equipment lists on the ''New Hobbyists'' forum? They never include a QT. Of course, 99% of the posts with equipment suggestions are new to the forum too.
Question for the experienced QT'ers:
From what I have seen the suggested QT period is 6-8 weeks. Most people just do observation rather than preventative copper treatment. My question then is if you put a fish in the DT and it is Ick free for 8 weeks does that mean it is safe?
I am confused because after reading up on parasites it seems that many are able to "hide" in the sense that a healthy fish does not present symptoms but is a carrier. The fish then presents when stressed. So unless you do preventative treatment for all possible parasites isnt it impossible to prevent some level of Ick or flukes from entering the DT?
From what I have seen the suggested QT period is 6-8 weeks. Most people just do observation rather than preventative copper treatment. My question then is if you put a fish in the DT and it is Ick free for 8 weeks does that mean it is safe?
I am confused because after reading up on parasites it seems that many are able to "hide" in the sense that a healthy fish does not present symptoms but is a carrier. The fish then presents when stressed. So unless you do preventative treatment for all possible parasites isnt it impossible to prevent some level of Ick or flukes from entering the DT?
MrTuskfish
Team RC
Nothing is 100% with parasites; but you can come close. Ich gets all the press; but ich is only one reason for a QT. I worry a lot more about brooklynella and velvet than ich; and those two parasites will almost always reveal themselves during a 6 week QT period. Also, fish acclimate much easier in a QT. No bullies, competitors, mayhem, etc. It gives the fish a chance to begin a captive life and adjust to its new diet. Any infections are easily treated in a QT as well.
I use copper with all new fish; but don't push it. Tank-Transfer is (IMO) as close to a 100% cure as you'll find for ich and its easy and fool-proof. TT, then Prazi-Pro, then a couple of weeks observation would be a good plan if you don't want to use copper. (The quinine drugs look good too.)
OK; there are several reasons to always use a QT; do you have just one reason not to? BTW, "stressing" the fish doesn't count. A decent QT is much less stressful than just being tossed into the mix of an established DT.
humaguy
Premium Member
A valid point...but it should be pointed out that, in imho, a qt is easier to maintain...it is empty except for a few pieces of pvc, a solid filter with some healthy bacteria laden media and you are good...treating with prazi and cupramine is truly very simple...many routine test kits are more complicated...
ime many fight the idea of qt because "they know the lfs guy" and "the fish are healthy at the lfs" one poster recently told me "maybe I am just lucky" and refused the idea totally, regardless of what anyone offered...one mistake and it is all over...
humaguy
Premium Member
I use cupramine- this is tough on some fish, so not all get it and prazipro...around 8 weeks...remember to avoid using Prime or any similar product when using copper- it creates a toxic mess and will kill fish very fast...
A proper qt regimine is the very best way to ensure the healthiest, most optimal enviroment for our livestock...
The 8 week qt period I believe is another reason I believe some dont do it...they want their newly purchased livestock in their dt asap..
"Daddy, I want an oompa loompa and I want it Now!!" lol...
A proper qt regimine is the very best way to ensure the healthiest, most optimal enviroment for our livestock...
The 8 week qt period I believe is another reason I believe some dont do it...they want their newly purchased livestock in their dt asap..
"Daddy, I want an oompa loompa and I want it Now!!" lol...
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gone fishin
New member
I really can't add anything to the above QT regimens posted above. Very sound advice. It amazes me that if people do not have the patience to wait for things in QT how do they expect to have a sucessful tank. I will probably get blasted for that but just my 2 cents.
MrTuskfish
Team RC
Its common for ich to disappear. But its just multiplying. If you don't treat the fish in a QT/HT; it will be back X100. Your main tank has to stay fishless for 10-12 weeks. I'd read the ich stickies in the disease section and post your problem there. Ich is capable of killing all of your fish and can't be ignored.
rssjsb
New member
I guess I should clarify. I am not advocating this attitude at all. I'm fully in the QT camp and have consistently posted replies on a number of threads here to that effect.
Picking up some cheap equipment and finding a spot for a QT tank is WELL worth it and it's how I operate now. I'm just saying it was something that I had to get past when I was just getting started. And it may be what is at the heart of some of the excuses/rationalizations you see in these threads. Removing all your fish and treating them for ich (not to mention watching your animals die of something that you could have prevented) is far worse than going to a little trouble on the front end.
