Question about Quarantine and Ich

[Patrick Cox]

How many weeks do I need to quarantine a new fish?

If I keep a new fish in quarantine for that many weeks and it shows no sign of Ich, does that mean it does not have Ich?

Thanks

 

[MrTuskfish]

How many weeks do I need to quarantine a new fish?

If I keep a new fish in quarantine for that many weeks and it shows no sign of Ich, does that mean it does not have Ich?

Thanks

Lots of opinions. But I think 3 weeks with no signs of parasites and he's good to go. Really inspect the fish though; ich is only one of many parasites, diseases, and other problems that can be handled in QT.

 

[jhentr]

I think first week, let it acclimate to OT and make sure it's eating. Then depending on fish (i.e tangs), I like to treat proactively with Cupramine and Prazi-pro - even if it doesn't show any signs.

 

[MrTuskfish]

I think first week, let it acclimate to OT and make sure it's eating. Then depending on fish (i.e tangs), I like to treat proactively with Cupramine and Prazi-pro - even if it doesn't show any signs.

I do too; but its so conversational, I don't push it. I've done it for many years with excellent results.

 

[Patrick Cox]

I do too; but its so conversational, I don't push it. I've done it for many years with excellent results.

Here is my tentative stocking list. Would you treat these fish with no signs of parasites?

2 Percula / Picasso Clowns
1 Coral Beauty
1 Goby

THanks!

 

[MrTuskfish]

Here is my tentative stocking list. Would you treat these fish with no signs of parasites?

2 Percula / Picasso Clowns
1 Coral Beauty
1 Goby

THanks!

I would, but I treat all fish and I know not everyone does. Do plenty of research and make an informed decision. Plenty of hobbyists treat all fish and I think its next to impossible to find any fish that hasn't been treated with copper along the way. Just my opinion: I think every time a fish is lost in QT that has been treated with copper, its assumed the copper is to blame. It may be, but very seldom. IMO IME; copper prevents countless more deaths than it causes. I am not going to let a parasite into any of my DTs if it can be avoided.
Also: If I hadn't been using copper in QT for so long, I would seriously consider Quinine Sulfate instead. There has been a lot of stuff on this forum lately about it, do a search. Some real experts, like Fenner and Goemans, are calling QS the drug of choice for ich. I don't know how QS does with brook, velvet (Oodinium), etc., in QT and wouldn't use it unless I knew. These two parasites scare me more than ich.
BTW, Coral beauties, and other dwarf angels, are in a small group of fish that are often copper-sensitive. If you decide to use copper; I'd acclimate the fish to it slowly and use a slightly smaller concentration than the normal .5. IMO, Cupramine, made by SeaChem is the best copper to use----for many reasons. If you have any concerns about the procedure or the CB; call their tech dept (888-seachem)---they're great.

 

[rnscross]

angels are also known to be prone to having flukes so prazipro is a simple and effective way to deal with it.

 

[niles1967]

If you are new to QT tanks keep in mind that ammonia will be your biggest problem assuming that the tank is not fully cycled with bio filtration. Personally I do not add fish to my QT until it is cycling. (I keep a spare 55g with overflow) Poor water conditions in QT can be worse than Ick.

 

[Patrick Cox]

If you are new to QT tanks keep in mind that ammonia will be your biggest problem assuming that the tank is not fully cycled with bio filtration. Personally I do not add fish to my QT until it is cycling. (I keep a spare 55g with overflow) Poor water conditions in QT can be worse than Ick.

Thanks. I will keep that in mind. Can I put a piece of LR in my QT? If not, what is the best way to start the bacteria colony?

 

[niles1967]

Live rock is excellent for the QT especially for grazing fish. As for the bacteria, I seed the tank with a few bio balls from my DT and foul the water a little with skimmer waste. (assuming you use bio balls. they seem to be going out of fashion but I have no complaints with them in my 350g fowler). You could also use a lot of live rock instead. In any case keep an eye on the ammonia level. Frequent massive water changes stress fish and keep medication levels uncertain.

By the way I agree with the other posters that new arrivals should be proactively treated with copper and prazi pro.

 

[MrTuskfish]

Here's a copy of how I cycle a QT. Works great and is really fool-proof. Just my preference, but I don't like LR in QT. it will absorb meds and make exact dosing difficult. Algae sheets can substitute for the grazing, and I use PVC fittings for shelter. I just don't like to use anything in QT that can't just be tossed out or sterilized easily. LR is about the only decent way to control nitrate: but that isn't an issue in QT, at least for fish. When I QT corals, or other inverts, nitrates seldom climb to a problem level; but a WC will handle it if needed.

"n regards to Qt cycling; I've done this for years. Get a HOB filter; I really like Aqua-Clear, they have a big sponge and last forever. Don't use the carbon or ceramic noodles that come with the filter. Also, have some extra sponges on hand, they're cheap. Keep a sponge in the flow somewhere in your DT. When you need a QT or HT, just use the sponge that has been in your main system in your QT filter---the QT will be instantly cycled. When done, toss the sponge and keep a new one ready in your main system.
BTW, Cupramine copper, used in a QT,will not destroy a bio-filter."