Quarantine and no meds?

[bobpiker]

Hello,

After learning my lesson regarding quarantine (very good thing) I had my last two inductees for 4 weeks each but separately in a 55g quarantine. The first was a purple tang. Once it was moved to my display I had a powder blue for 4 weeks. Both are extremely healthy now in my display and haven't exhibited any signs of parasite after treatment with Cupramine. Both started off with cryto for a week before getting better.

Now, after adding a 4" sailfin and a 3" green filefish to quarantine but without meds so far (I removed the old Cupramine with carbon for a full week before adding these two) they haven't exhibited any signs of parasite and are eating well.

So, after 3 days with the sailfin and filefish, I happen to see a couple of new fish at an LFS that I've always wanted and picked them both up. One is a 3" Majestic Angel and the other a 3" Emperor. I think putting them together while juvenile will allow them to get along better as they grow.

I put both angels in quarantine with my sailfin and filefish and after a day everyone seems to be healthy and eating well but still with no Cupramine or signs of parasite.

To be absolutely sure, I really want to start Cupramine but am hesitant to do so if all are doing well and showing no signs of parasite.

If I do not put in Cupramine and all are doing well for 2 weeks without signs of crypto would it be ok to transfer them all to my display without risk of them taking something with them? I'm really ok using Cupramine but because some fish can be a less tolerant of copper ( I hate risking the angels if it isn't necessary) I'm hopeful meds can be avoided. If they aren't showing signs of crypto and are eating/swimming well is it likely there isn't any crypto in the quarantine and that they didn't bring something with them when they were purchased? After 2 weeks I would think that if crypto was in the tank at least one of the fish would show signs...especially an angel.

Thanks,
Bob

 

[sc50964]

If there is no sign of problem, there is no need to introduce stress by meds

 

[snorvich]

Cryptocaryon Irritans does not always visibly present. Four weeks from the introduction of the last fish to quarantine is warranted.

 

[bobpiker]

If memory serves, the life cycle for crypto is 4 weeks, right? So, as long as none of the fish exhibit crypto signs (white specs, flashing, rapid breathing, lack of appetite) for 4 weeks then they should be good to transfer. I guess during this 4 weeks the moment I saw any of these telltale signs that would be the ideal time to start Cupramine. Again, I think Cupramine is great stuff as it worked perfectly with my purple tang and pbt but as was said above, why risk the stress if it isn't necessary unless it is truly necessary to be sure.
Thanks,
Bob

 

[snorvich]

If memory serves, the life cycle for crypto is 4 weeks, right? So, as long as none of the fish exhibit crypto signs (white specs, flashing, rapid breathing, lack of appetite) for 4 weeks then they should be good to transfer. I guess during this 4 weeks the moment I saw any of these telltale signs that would be the ideal time to start Cupramine. Again, I think Cupramine is great stuff as it worked perfectly with my purple tang and pbt but as was said above, why risk the stress if it isn't necessary unless it is truly necessary to be sure.
Thanks,
Bob

I always watch behavior first. Hanging near the returns, labored or quick breathing, flashing, shyness, sensitivity to light. Cryptocaryon is easily curable and is not quickly fatal but I worry more about oodinium, brook, or uronema.

 

[bobpiker]

I hadn't considered that since crypto seemed to be what I always ran into with new purchases until now. With those possibilities do you believe Cupramine may just be the way to go or would Prazi be enough to eliminate those?

Thanks,
Bob

 

[sc50964]

I hadn't considered that since crypto seemed to be what I always ran into with new purchases until now. With those possibilities do you believe Cupramine may just be the way to go or would Prazi be enough to eliminate those?



Thanks,

Bob

Where do you get your fish?

 

[crissie]

Personally I wouldn't use any medication unless they need it, I'd keep them all in quarantine for at least 4 weeks. If in that time they exhibit any signs of infection/parasites etc. then treat them. If after the 4 weeks they are healthy, behaving naturally and feeding well, then introduce them to the tank.

 

[sc50964]

Personally I wouldn't use any medication unless they need it, I'd keep them all in quarantine for at least 4 weeks. If in that time they exhibit any signs of infection/parasites etc. then treat them. If after the 4 weeks they are healthy, behaving naturally and feeding well, then introduce them to the tank.

That's good advice!

 

[bobpiker]

I'm with you then on that. I'll try and hope to be able to wait 4 weeks without any symptoms and if something pops up and they start to be behave erratically the meds will begin. Thanks!

 

[bobpiker]

There are two LFS in my area. Both seem to always have a good selection. It happened, though, one had three fish I've wanted to get for some time at the same time and I couldn't pass up the opportunity.