Prophylactic or asymptomatic?

[Rognin]

I have a penchant for asymptomatic after a four week observation period rather than prophylactic.

I'm torn, I have all the meds ready if needs be. But I'd rather not add stress to the fish if it can be avoided.

 

[Entacmaea]

Hey Rognin, good question - and I'm sure there are some strong opinions out there. My caution over just observation is some internal parasites that may not show symptoms you are able to notice in 4 weeks. It is not outside the realm of possibility that fish in a QT tank feeding well will strengthen in that short period at a rate that makes some symptoms from diseases not noticeable, only to crop up later. Also, our baseline observation of the fish when we get it is completely subjective, and may not be a wholly reliable method to determine internal problems. Perhaps the best of both worlds is observation and isolation getting fish to a point where they are strong, healthy and feeding well - then add some meds at that point so the fish can better stand the treatments. Obviously starting meds earlier if anything is actually observed. This probably extends QT a few weeks, but is worth it. As you can probably tell, I'm of the opinion that it is not worth the risk to not do preventative treatments (prazi, etc.) since we can't give our finned friends an x-ray or talk to them about how they are feeling : ) I like putting a fish into the tank knowing I've done all I can to give them the best chance, which for me is getting them fat and happy, pre-treatments, eating several different types of foods, then into an isolation chamber in the main tank so everyone gets comfortable with each other.

 

[gone fishin]

FWIW the only thing I actively use in QT is Prazipro, it is relatively mild. Other than that it is TTM and observation for 4-5 weeks.

 

[kmbyrnes]

I am in gone_fishin's camp. I hate to medicate if not needed, but also don't want to risk my current livestock. So TTM and Prazi, then 4-6 weeks of watching.