How to properly QT?

[paneristi]

I am beginning to stock my tank and after some research I've got a question. I was told by a well respected sponsor that for my tank, I shouldn't get more than 3 tangs. But, to either get 1 or 3 but not get 2 due to possible head to head conflicts. One of the three I would like to add is a Powder Blue. I've been told it's best to introduce the Powder Blue first and let him stake him claim since they are so prone to ich due to stress. Then add the remaining two tangs at once later on.
So, how do I QT those two other tangs? My QT is a 30g and I've got to think two tangs would not do well for 4-6 weeks in a tank that small together. Should I just risk it and toss the two tangs in without QT? I've seen so many people have bad problems by not isolating new fish.

Or, is the simple answer to fire up my hospital tank as a second QT?

 

[cr500_af]

Maybe so. Many tangs live for several weeks in smallish tanks while in the store, but I wouldn't try two in a small tank. I'd fire up the Hosp tank and put one in each..

 

[jennm]

I'd suggest quarantining a Powder Blue too even if he goes in first. They are very prone to parasitic infestation and you don't want to introduce that to your tank right off the bat.

I have written an article about quarantining and specimen selection. You can find it http://imagine-ocean.com/node/58">here.</a>

How large is your system?

Jenn

 

[paneristi]

JennM;670885 wrote: I'd suggest quarantining a Powder Blue too even if he goes in first. They are very prone to parasitic infestation and you don't want to introduce that to your tank right off the bat.

I have written an article about quarantining and specimen selection. You can find it http://imagine-ocean.com/node/58">here.</a>

How large is your system?

Jenn[/QUOTE]

Tank is a 150g with a 55g sump. I read your article. That's really good! But, I know Powder Blues are really prone to parasites like ich. If it has ich, wouldn't I need to QT for 4 or more weeks given the parasites life cycle? I've seen where peoples fish have ich but are healthy enough to kick it. Is it ever-present in any system? I've read two different answers to that question.

I'm not trying to be a buy first and ask questions later type. I thought I did a lot of research.

Should I stick to a 14 day QT with this fish and cut him loose in the DT if no bad signs? Or, should this particular fish be held back longer?

 

[jennm]

Longer QT for more risky specimens would be a good idea, for sure - the article was more of a generalization, and of course if you find symptoms, I'd keep them in QT for 30 days after treatment ends or the last symptom disappears - whichever is later. Go with your gut feeling on that one, longer might be better in that instance, as long as the QT tank is appropriately sized for the fish - if it's too small that will add stress.

There are differing opinions about the omnipresence of ich or other pathogens in the aquarium - I tend to lean toward "it's always there, just looking for an opportunity". I've seen people go through intense protocols leaving DT fishless etc., only to have the scourge resurface as soon as fish are re-introduced.

The best defense is excellent water quality, good diet and low stress.

Jenn

 

[markv]

What are the other two tangs you intend to keep? Powder blues are very territorial and aggressive if established. Depending on your other tang species, he might have to go last. As far as introducing them, you can introduce them to the display one at a time with some extra precautions. I would buy some eggcrate and cut it to fit the inside of your display tank. Arrange your live rock, so that you can use the eggcrate to partition off a quarter of the tank. This will allow you to keep the newest tang isolated for a while, but give the others time to recognize and accept his presence. There will still be some skirmishes when the eggcrate is removed, but it will be with less damage inflicted.

By doing this, you can quarantine each tang individually for 4 weeks and introduce them singly to the new tank.

I do think you can quarantine more than one fish in a 30 gallon, if you go with smaller specimens and do water changes obsessively. I quarantined two small tangs, a juvenile emperor angel, and two clowns in a 29 gallon for 6 weeks once. I made a trashcan full of hyposaline water, and did water changes every 5 days. I also had extensive biofiltration that was well established. Another tip about q-tanks: Just make the water changes with regular tapwater and salt, rather than RO. Saves you some time, and will allow quicker batches to be made. But do use a dechlorinator.

 

[enderg60]

powder blue should be added last or near it. Letting one stake a claim to the whole tank will end up with him beating up any new tangs.

My best advice, decide what you want to get and get all 3 at the same time, QT at the same time and add at the same time.

 

[paneristi]

Markv;671764 wrote: What are the other two tangs you intend to keep? Powder blues are very territorial and aggressive if established. Depending on your other tang species, he might have to go last.

I'm considering the following candidates. Achilles, Clown Tang, and Purple. I know all of those are very much way on the aggressive side. Not sure if I could get away with doing any of those. I think my system is probably too small for a Clown tang.
These fish will not be in this tank for more than a few years though. I will do a second, much larger tank when I am a more experienced hobbyist.

 

[jennm]

That's a whole lotta tang for a 150.... IMO the Achilles needs MUCH more room. Purple might do OK but the Clown and Achilles...I wouldn't try them in a 150 alone, let alone with others.

JMHO.

Jenn

 

[paneristi]

JennM;672058 wrote: That's a whole lotta tang for a 150.... IMO the Achilles needs MUCH more room. Purple might do OK but the Clown and Achilles...I wouldn't try them in a 150 alone, let alone with others.

JMHO.

Jenn

You know I didn't mean ALL of those right? But, even so, only the Purple is well suited enough for my tank size? I wanted to get some really pretty, not so run of the mill tangs. You have any suggestions for a third tang if I had a Powder Blue and a Purple? Or, could I get away with those two? I was told and have read to get an uneven number.
I really love tangs. They're probably my favorite group. I grew up in Hawaii as a kid and have fond memories of swimming with huge numbers of tangs.

 

[jennm]

Well even the purple has the potential to outgrow the tank, but it's probably better suited than the others. Clown tangs and Achilles are very difficult to keep/acclimate to captivity and they need a LOT of room. Maybe post a thread about them specifically and some of the folks who've been successful with them will add some insight about their needs. Personally I don't bring them in (clown or achilles) - too fragile for most.

Jenn