QT tank

[SaltwaterGardening]

Happy Friday everyone! Looking into quarantine tank options and curious who keeps up their tank year round vs only setting up when you need it? I could place the QT tank in my office, hence my thought of keeping something cheap in it like Damsels or Cardinal fish. That might defeat the purpose of a QT tank, but thought I would ask. Thanks for the insight.

 

[mphammer]

I'm sure others can give a more thorough explanation, but from my understanding- to truly QT and prophylactically treat fish requires medication. You really would not want to subject any fish- say those damsels- to medication 24/7 for their whole lives.
Some people set up a more permanent "observation" tank that allows them to watch new fish closely without endangering their DT. If something looks off, then a secondary hospital/qt tank can be set up and the sick fish can be pulled from the observation tank

 

[ActiveAngel]

For me, Quarantine and Medication are two entirely different things. However, they often overlap... and I agree, you don’t want to medicate 24/7 for months after month.

But if you want to set up a semi-permanent QT tank, I’ve seen it done.

 

[SaltwaterGardening]

I'm sure others can give a more thorough explanation, but from my understanding- to truly QT and prophylactically treat fish requires medication. You really would not want to subject any fish- say those damsels- to medication 24/7 for their whole lives.
Some people set up a more permanent "observation" tank that allows them to watch new fish closely without endangering their DT. If something looks off, then a secondary hospital/qt tank can be set up and the sick fish can be pulled from the observation tank

Thanks, Im listening for more comments and leaning towards that second option, a place to put fish for observation. During treatment, I’d need to consider displacement of my damsel types in a blocked off vented part of my main tank. Otherwise I have to store an empty tank somewhere to medicate. However, I might still need an extra tank! Thanks for any other comments.

 

[00Dan]

In many cases as the tank matures biologically certain medications may be broken down faster than intended. I believe it is recommended to sterilize QT tanks every 6 weeks or so.

 

[00Dan]

Thanks, Im listening for more comments and leaning towards that second option, a place to put fish for observation. During treatment, I’d need to consider displacement of my damsel types in a blocked off vented part of my main tank. Otherwise I have to store an empty tank somewhere to medicate. However, I might still need an extra tank! Thanks for any other comments.

Quarantining or even observing in the same system is a bad idea - if the fish are carriers now whatever they have is in your display and the rest of your fish have it.

You should still set up a second, separate system for observation. This also makes it easy to medicate later as necessary.