QT Inverts?

[kilroy217]

I have definitely been QT-ing my fish as I add them, but was wondering if it's safe to just add inverts (ie. a peppermint shrimp) to the tank without QT? I have used copper in the past in the QT, and am a little nervous about inverts in there.

Thanks!

 

[Sisterlimonpot]

Although it's possible for inverts to carry disease I wouldn't put them in a tank that has been dosed with copper unless it has been cleaned thoroughly. And even then copper can leach back from the silicone.

 

[WaterKeeper]

Kilroy was here,

These days it is general practice to QT just about everything short of LR. I'm not a fan of medicating a QT but use a separate hospital tank if the fish or invert shows signs of disease. If you used copper, and the Q-tank is small, add about a gallon of white vinegar and soak it overnight. Next day dump it and rinse well. Copper levels should not be high enough to harm inverts after that procedure.

 

[kilroy217]

Waterkeeper, thanks for the advice!

The copper was several months ago, and I have done many, many water changes in the QT since that time. So, copper levels should be pretty low, but I was definitely nervous about it. I will try the vinegar technique. The QT is 20 gal - so, can I add 19 gal of freshwater and 1 gal of vinegar for the soak?

BTW - nice kilroy reference... not where my screenname comes from, but I can definitely appreciate the reference. I was actually in a play many, many years ago where my character was named Mr. Kilroy. Have used the name ever since.

 

[WaterKeeper]

You might use two gallons to be sure.

Don't drink the Water!

 

[kilroy217]

Yes, Don't Drink the Water!

Thanks for the advice... I have a project to work on this weekend! Maybe I can get shrimp or two into my tank before the summer hits... hehe...