Quarantine Expenses

[ferg822]

Do I really need a QT for a 24 gal. I have a very low budget and can't exactly afford another filter and such. Could I purchase like, a 5 or 8 gal and buy an airstone? Just to keep the fishies for maybe 48 hrs? Any suggestions?

 

[billsreef]

Properly set up QT's are always worthwile. Since you'll be only going with small fish, a 5 gallon is plenty big enough. Just get an inexpensive heater and an inexpensive sponge filter. For cover, a few PVC pipe fittings work really well. You should be able to set this up for around $20-$25. Also the QT period should be a minimum of 4 weeks to be truly effective.

 

[Duff Man]

You can check craigslist for cheap used tanks. I went the new route and picked up a package deal at Petco with a 10 gal tank, heater, filter, and light for $40. It was on sale, but I'm sure something can be found for a similar price.

 

[Macimage]

Yes, a small cheap qt tank will pay for itself. The cost of wiping out all the fish in your display tank by adding one sick fish will be much more. As noted, qt should be 4-6 weeks.

Joyce