New Fish QT Procedure

[schwaggs]

I have a dipping procedure I perform on all my new corals to avoid introducing unwanted pests and figure there should be a similar procedure for new fish for the same reason. I have typically quarantined my new fish but never performed any preventative medication on new fish to remove parasites and the like.

What procedure and products should be used on new fish to ensure their health and prevent introducing diseases into your system?

 

[skriz]

I love praziquantel. It's mild, yet effective, and even reef safe should you need to use it in the DT.

 

[gnashty]

Ive heard Para Guard is another mild, effective Reef Safe alternative as well..

 

[schwaggs]

Thanks guys, I am definatly picking up some PraziPro based on all the positive feedback I have heard about it.

Do you have a procedure you follow? For example something like:

Day1
Home from LFS
Temp acclimate
5 minute freshwater dip with temp and pH matched freshwater
Into QT

Day 3
Treat with praziquantel

Day 8
2nd praziquantel treatment

Day 15
Treat with ....

 

[jmaneyapanda]

Be sure the fish is eating well before using prazipro.

Paraguard is an AWESOME product, but I wouldn't call it reefsafe.

 

[schwaggs]

Thanks Jeremy, any other additions? Do you freswater dip all your fish? Is 5 minutes enough? I have heard some say it needs to be 10 minutes or it does not do much good.

Step 1
Home from LFS
Temp acclimate
5 minute freshwater dip with temp and pH matched freshwater
Into QT

Step 2
Once the fish is eating well
Treat with praziquantel

Step 3 (5 days after Step 2)
2nd praziquantel treatment

Step 4
Treat with ....

 

[jmaneyapanda]

I don't FW dip, unless I suspect uronema or brookynella. But, in such cases, I FW dip for as long as the fish will tolerate. I've had maroon clown that was in FW for almost 2 hours before I got bored.

In general, for my QT, I run display salinity and parameters, and only prophylactically treat with prazipro.

 

[jennm]

I typically only treat if I see or suspect a particular problem.

It stinks to start prophylactic treatment for one thing, only to discover there's a different issue and you can't treat for both at the same time.

Jon asked for my input - I did write an article which is on my website that covers my recommendations for QT:

http://imagine-ocean.com/node/58">http://imagine-ocean.com/node/58</a>

Jenn