I've only done observation quarantine. Should I medicate?

[bat21]

I have a wrasse arriving Saturday from blue zoo. QT is set up and ready. So far, and with good results, I have only quarantined for 4 weeks just to observe and look for signs of anything.

I know a lot of you use prophylactic treatments in quarantine. It makes me a little nervous to just medicate a fish, with multiple meds even. But I'm still pretty new to this and am still developing my QT strategy.

So I'm asking for opinions on what you guys do, which meds, for how long, which at the same time, do you use the same methods regardless of species, and anything else you think could help me.

 

[ca1ore]

It's a very good question; one without a clear answer, unfortunately. My own approach to QT depends on the fish, where I got it from, and how far along I am in my tank stocking plan. Tangs, butterfly fish and angels I typically treat prophylactically; anthias and wrasses I typically just observe. Though I do observe for longer than just four weeks, usually twice that.

 

[bat21]

Ok. I'll extend the observation time. Are wrasses and anthias just less susceptible to disease typically?

 

[billdogg]

I like to run a course of Prazipro about 2 weeks in to QT, after I'm reasonable sure that anything more obvious (Ich) isn't going to be a problem.

 

[gone fishin]

I like to do TTM and a couple rounds of Prazi. Other than that it is observe for an additional 4-5 weeks after TTM. good luck

 

[Pigpen17]

I like to do TTM and a couple rounds of Prazi. Other than that it is observe for an additional 4-5 weeks after TTM. good luck

Yup. There is no harm in either of these treatments, so why not. Just add some aeration for Prazipro, as I hear it can lower oxygen levels.

One thing that is probably obvious, but maybe not, is you'll have to tear down your QT while you TT. You can't have your fish in your QT, take them out do tank transfer, and then just drop it right back in QT. There would be no point to that.

The thing that makes the most sense to me is to TT them right out of the bag for 12 days then do the last transfer into your ready QT. Wait about a week or more than Prazipro. Run carbon after and observe.

 

[nuxx]

I have too much to lose in our tank from a sick fish.

All fish I QT are medicated.

Also another thing to think about.

Almost 100% chance any fish you buy has been medicated.

A lot of collectors medicate fish while holding.
A lot of wholesalers medicate fish while holding.
A lot of LFS medicate while at the store.

 

[Martini5788]

Also, be sure to have carbon to run incase the fish you are qt has a bad reaction to any medication that you might use. From my research on wrasses, they can be a little more sensitive to medications than other fish.

 

[gone fishin]

I have not had a wrasse show any real issues with prazi, not to say it could not happen. Copper on the other hand is a crap shoot IMO as to how a fish will handle it.

 

[bat21]

TTM is not really a realistic option for me in a one bedroom apartment with a wife and a cat. It was hard enough finding a place for a QT.

 

[ca1ore]

Ok. I'll extend the observation time. Are wrasses and anthias just less susceptible to disease typically?

They typically have been for me. In over 25 years of reefing, and many anthias and wrasses, never had one with ich. Tangs a different story. I do use prazipro on all fish; neglected to mention that before.