Quarantine

[nickmcmechan]

OK, I was going to give this thread the title 'Guilty Secret' as, after returning to fish keeping after a long break, I have been at it for a year and this is the first time I've qt'd <hangs head in shame>

So, wanted to share my plan, get any feedback:

QT tank:

30 litres
50% main tank water, 50% fresh water
2 pieces of bogwood (main tank is the SA biotope - see sig below)
30 degrees C
2 x internal filters, been running for 3 months on other tanks
Air pump running through venturi of internal

The proposed routine:

1. Sunday 3rd - day one of Sterazin

through to

Wednesdsay 13th - day 10 of Sterazin

2. Sunday 17th - day one of Melafix

through to

Saturday 23rd - final day of Melafix

3. Sunday 24th - day one of Pimafix

through to

SAturday 1st March - final day of Pimafix

4. Sunday 2nd March introduce to main tank.

So, can you guys check over how this sounds.

I think the treatments above should cover parasitic, antibacterial and fungal. Don't really plan to use much else as antibiotics not readily available in UK for these purposes.

Should water change routine be same as main tank? (50% weekly for me - was planning to use 50% main tank water and 50% fresh)

Whats best advice on feeding during QT?

Thanks.

 

[Lupin]

My question is why are you going to treat the fish? I don't see any need for that other than observing their behavior for four to six weeks. The longer, the better of course. I don't treat fish when under quarantine. I simply keep observing until they are fine for introduction in the main tank. As for feeding, well, if the fish are juveniles, you have to feed a lot but compensate that with series of water changes to ensure water quality remains clean.

 

[Rbishop]

Unless you see visible signs of a problem, I wouldn't treat, just watch. Treat if something shows up.

 

[Star_Rider]

I would not treat for bacterial infections unless signs show up .

as for parasites..well... that depends on the source of the livestock.

if it is from a reputable source (many already treat livestock for parasites) you should be fine to just keep an eye on the fish.
if the source is questionable or you are just not sure. you may want to consider a round of anti parasite meds.

 

[Sploke]

Agreed...I QT my fish but don't treat unless they're an obvious reason to. For me its just a safety measure.

 

[Ruben Tolon]

The only thing I would try to treat without visible symptoms is for internal parasites with some medicated food.