re-Stocking after an outbreak, Quarantine question

[PoggiPJ]

I have a 180 with lots of rock and hiding places, softies, 2 anemones, 4 cleaner shrimp and loads of brittle stars, worms, and pods. I recently lost all fish to a parasite outbreak. Early October will make 8 weeks since the last fish died. I am now considering restocking choices, and it is time to address the quarantine method.

 

[Curious George]

Hey Pete! You're in my neck of the woods =-) I know the Kentlands.

Stinks about losing all your fish. How big is your QT? If it is a decent size, I would QT 3 fish at a time for 30 days before adding them into the 180. That way you can add another 4 weeks to the fallow period and add more fish than one at a time.

The thing about QT is that you can't add any fish to the QT once you begin that 30 day clock. That's why I say "at one time". After the 30 days, buy another group and start over again until your back at capacity.

Sorry for the losses. An empty tank can get boring real quick.

 

[PoggiPJ]

Hi George, I'm pretty close to Kentlands, off of Quince Orchard Rd. near the Potomac Horse Center. This is where I'm a little confused. If I understand this right, the purpose of the quarantine is to prevent existing inhabitants from catching a disease. If the tank is already empty, why should I put the fist through two transfers? Who am I preventing from catching a disease?

 

[slk55r]

I believe it is to prevent your new fish from getting any parasites into your tank.

 

[Curious George]

^^^Exactly. I get what you're saying Pete, but you can ruin the benefits of the fallow period by putting in some new fish right away. The QT period will help to recognize and treat any diseases before introducing new fish into the display tank.

By the by, have you been to Roozen's Nursery in Temple Hills? They have the most amazing salt fish and corals for sale in a sunroom off the back of the plant nursery. You'd never know it was there unless someone told you. The owner's name is Yas and he has been selling saltwater livestock for years. Massive selection of every fish you could possibly want and his prices are reasonable. I bought my Majestic Angel from him for $85.

 

[aquaph8]

Pete, think about it this way, what happens if your first fish has a parasite and then you QT the following ones? They all get it then, right? The point of the QT is to keep your tank free of disease. If you start it with potential disease then theres no point to it. I know it all sounds like a pain but I promise you will find you lose way less fish and the process will become easier and easier. Keep in mind most of these fish dont eat for a couple days prior to shipping, then go through the whole process of being shipped, a quiet place without competition for food is exactly what they need. HTH man, good luck

 

[PoggiPJ]

By the by, have you been to Roozen's Nursery in Temple Hills?

George, I had been to Roozen's a few times, in years past - I couldn't believe what I saw down there and the prices.. But I had heard that they closed. Is that not true?

Update: I just called them and I was definitely incorrect. They are in fact open.