New fish qt question

[aaparkr]

Just got a pearlscale butterfly (from a place called Jeff's close to LA). It arrived Friday and was visually fine from the moment we put in it my 10 gallon qt tank. It has been hiding in some 2" pvc pipe sections I put in the tank for that purpose and I have yet to see it eat, but there is very little food on the bottom of the tank, so I assume it is eating.

How long should I wait before moving it to the 75 (main tank)? The water it is in came from there and I have a hob filter for circulation and such. The fish is about 1 1/2 inches long, it is not making any odd movements and has no apparent blotches or injuries.

Thanks,

Tony

 

[Gwalker]

Under normal conditions, I would quarentine it for at least 10 days to make sure you have kept it seperated at least the length of time of most parisitic cycles. The other issue is that a pearscale might not eat well in a 10 gallon and will usually do better in a larger Q-tank with some live rock, it can be stressed in such a small tank. This can make it hard to get it eating which can lead to other problems. So you will probably have to make a lesser of two evils decision on when to put it in the big tank.

G.

 

[aaparkr]

Thanks Gary. I was looking for an excuse to put in in the big tank. It looks fine but it won't eat. It was never lethargic and shows no indications of anything parasitic. I realize I should probably wait, but tha aiptasia are all over in the big tank and I don't want this little fish to starve or develop anorexia (sp?)

Tony

By the way G. Does this mean I need a 55 gallon qt tank?

T

 

[aaparkr]

Addendum: after putting it in the 75. The maroon clown was initially interested, but she is usually looking for food. My yellow tang was a little agressive. She actually charged the smaller fish and it fanned out its 'crown' - top fins. I put some nori in on a clip and the tang lost interest.

The clown has done a little half hearted lunging but I think that is still the 'food' reflex. Anyway, they are all together. If it takes down my tank, I will have learned an expensive lesson, but hopefully everyone will learn to get along

Tony

 

[aaparkr]

24 hours later all is calm. Still a lot of aiptasia that no one seems interested in, but no body harassing the new kid. Looks like a successful addition to the tank at this point.

Tony

 

[Serra]

I have always maintained that part of the reason for quarantine is to get the fish used to the human owner and reduce the stress of that before having it face the stress of meeting other fish. I was interested to have been shown this link: http://www.timesonline.co.uk//article/0,,2087-2200122,00.html the article, "Goldfish have feelings too, say fish researchers" We all know our fish recognize us. Finally they are doing research to prove how much brain power fish really have.

IMO stress is the biggest contributor to losing fish. As with humans, stress reduces the body's natural abililty to resist diseases and parasites. Let's be a little more considerate of the fish we take into our care.

 

[aaparkr]

Well, it didn't do much in the 10 for 2 days. Wouldn't eat and mostly stayed in one of the 2" pvc pipes I put in for hiding places. It is much happier in the main tank. I'll have to research ways to quarantine for future additions since all I have is a 10 and some 5 gallon buckets.

Tony

 

[Serra]

That is pretty normal behavior for a new fish in a quarantine tank. The trick is to provide hiding places. I don't worry if the fish doesn't eat for a few days.

Trying to get a sick fish out of the display tank is very stressful for all involved. Losing a whole tank of fish because of disease is a lesson you won't forget. Good luck with your fish.

 

[aaparkr]

AND... I got a brittle star and some snails and crabs. I think the brittle star is cool, but the wife disagrees. we may have a really tough to catch offering in a week or 2.

Tony