Quarantine at LFS?

[D0GFISH]

I know quarantining fish after they are shipped long distances is critical. But if the local LFS is quarantining for 2 weeks would you still QT for a full 4-6 weeks, reduce the time or skip QT at home all together? Lets assume I know the LFS has actually done the QT. What about buying from a local reefer?

Thanks

 

[HumbleFish]

Most LFS I know get weekly shipments. Also, most of their tanks are tied into one big sump (so to speak) that shares water.

So, if a new fish is put in with one "under QT"... or if a new fish even shares water with one in QT... then any diseases the new fish may have is shared with the QT fish.

 

[scuzy]

Trusting local fish store quarantining fish is like having unprotected sex with a hooker in Thailand. Your plaything with fire.

 

[gone fishin]

The only QT I trust is the one I do myself.

 

[HumbleFish]

Trusting local fish store quarantining fish is like having unprotected sex with a hooker in Thailand. Your plaything with fire.

So you're saying your personal QT is akin to a condom? :beer:

 

[MrTuskfish]

No LFS QT procedure is't anywhere near what a proper quarantine protocol requires. Relying on a LFS to quarantine your fish is a huge mistake that its often the subject of disasters on this forum section. Even Diver's Den, possibly the best source of fish on the planet, strongly recommends a QT for all fish bought from them.

 

[zeebies]

The only QT I trust is the one I do myself.

This.

 

[SantaMonica]

I've heard of some stores keeping things for 4 weeks before selling them.

 

[Deinonych]

This.

Yup. +1

 

[D0GFISH]

Most LFS I know get weekly shipments. Also, most of their tanks are tied into one big sump (so to speak) that shares water.

So, if a new fish is put in with one "under QT"... or if a new fish even shares water with one in QT... then any diseases the new fish may have is shared with the QT fish.

Good point. Never really considered that. Damn I hate QT!

 

[Deinonych]

QT is a minor inconvenience. While I would prefer that all my new arrivals could go into the DT directly, it's worth it to ensure they are all healthy and disease-free first.

 

[Louis Z]

Good point. Never really considered that. Damn I hate QT!

you would hate it more if you lost your prized display tank acquisitions. I hate just losing the fish in QT. I work hard in planning which fish to order, when to order it as in mild weather, whom to order it from. When I finally get it in, its disheartening to see them succumb to velvet in a flash. I just lost a paired up duo of flame angels. this store i bought from does qt before putting the arrivals in their main tanks. So I assume it was a contamination of my previous bout of velvet on a flame angel. The QT tank was left fallow for two months in hyposalinity. I emptied it, put in brand new pvc and ceramic inserts for hiding holes and within the week they died. my lesson learned is to nuke everything including the nets, and all peripheral equipment. I also learned to treat all new arrivals with cholorquine, prazipro regardless on how well they look. I was watching them first before I treated. Sorry for the rant but I have been kicking myself and needed some therapeutic release.

 

[MrTuskfish]

I've heard of some stores keeping things for 4 weeks before selling them.

They can keep them for a year and still not catch parasites or other diseases. A good QT protocol involves considerable time examining new fish daily from all angles. Ich, and other contagious parasites/diseases are not always easy to see . An experienced hobbyist can tell, simply by daily observation, when a fish has a problem. I honestly know of any recognized author, or anyone I would take advice from, who doesn't insist on quarantine for all fish. There is a big difference between our definition of and any LFS's definition of quarantine and any LFS's definition. Most LFS consider just keeping the fish alive for a few weeks to be "quarantine". They don't have the time, equipment, or trained personnel to properly do this job. This is our job and part of the hobby; IMO & IME. Its amazing how many LFS quarantine fish on the same circulating water system as their display tanks.

 

[SaltWaterAdam]

Its amazing how many LFS quarantine fish on the same circulating water system as their display tanks.

This... Seen it a couple times now... Keep in mind, a reputable LFS will show you there QTs. I've seen my LFS and know the process they use, and I still QT for 6 weeks for my peace of mind. Play with fire...well...you know the consequence.

 

[Louis Z]

In the last few months I have ordered from multiple companies and have encountered velvet and ick.. I will no longer just observe but treat as they come in with prazipro and chlorogur