[Because I'm not sure how much cross-traffic runs between the two forums, I also posted this in the Reef Fishes section. I apologize to the mods if this is a breech of protocol.]
'I realize this may come firmly under the heading of 'newbie stuff', but in this regard, a newbie is most certainly what I am. You see, in anticipation of acquiring a pair of Genicanthus semifasciatus, I went out yesterday and purchased my very first dedicated quarantine tank. These fish fish are not even on my horizon yet, mind you. I'm just waiting around like everyone else, but when they become available, I want to be ready. From much of the information I've gleaned from you guys already, I got a 20g glass tank, a HOB filter (I plan to keep the sponge floating in the sump of my display), and a heater. Once running, my only 'substrate' will be a couple of PVC pipes to provide hiding places. Lighting will be ambient. Now, given that I've never done anything like this before, I have a few questions regarding treatment and thought I should come here. All responses, including 'Quarantine-schmorantine, I'd just dump 'em in' will be greatly appreciated.
Once in QT, do you guys begin an immediate prophylactic treatment regimen or do you 'observe' and only if disease is found or suspected, do you begin treating? If no disease is observed or suspected, do you just keep the fish under observation the entire time, then release them into the DT? If no disease is observed or suspected, is the consensus of the QT period still 6-8 weeks? How often do you recommend I change the water while the fish are simply under observation? Does using the hyposalinty method count as observation or treatment; meaning should it be used in conjunction with other treatments or not? Any negatives to hypo?
I realize that there will be no consensus with regard to treatment methods. There may even be some diametrically opposed viewpoints. That's cool too. I'm just trying to get a handle on what you guys do, then give it a shot and see what works for me ('Sounds like a Viagra commercial'). Anyway, again, thanks in advance for any replies.
Oh yeah, should I set this tank up now or wait until these fish are at least on the radar before even bothering?'
'I realize this may come firmly under the heading of 'newbie stuff', but in this regard, a newbie is most certainly what I am. You see, in anticipation of acquiring a pair of Genicanthus semifasciatus, I went out yesterday and purchased my very first dedicated quarantine tank. These fish fish are not even on my horizon yet, mind you. I'm just waiting around like everyone else, but when they become available, I want to be ready. From much of the information I've gleaned from you guys already, I got a 20g glass tank, a HOB filter (I plan to keep the sponge floating in the sump of my display), and a heater. Once running, my only 'substrate' will be a couple of PVC pipes to provide hiding places. Lighting will be ambient. Now, given that I've never done anything like this before, I have a few questions regarding treatment and thought I should come here. All responses, including 'Quarantine-schmorantine, I'd just dump 'em in' will be greatly appreciated.
Once in QT, do you guys begin an immediate prophylactic treatment regimen or do you 'observe' and only if disease is found or suspected, do you begin treating? If no disease is observed or suspected, do you just keep the fish under observation the entire time, then release them into the DT? If no disease is observed or suspected, is the consensus of the QT period still 6-8 weeks? How often do you recommend I change the water while the fish are simply under observation? Does using the hyposalinty method count as observation or treatment; meaning should it be used in conjunction with other treatments or not? Any negatives to hypo?
I realize that there will be no consensus with regard to treatment methods. There may even be some diametrically opposed viewpoints. That's cool too. I'm just trying to get a handle on what you guys do, then give it a shot and see what works for me ('Sounds like a Viagra commercial'). Anyway, again, thanks in advance for any replies.
Oh yeah, should I set this tank up now or wait until these fish are at least on the radar before even bothering?'
