how long should I QT

lauremf2002

lauremf2002

Member
I just got my first fish! Yay!
Two false percs. Anyway, they are in the QT tank and I was wondering how long to leave them in there? Its only 10 gallons and I dont want them in there any longer than I have to. Granted they are small fish.
 
florida joe

florida joe

Well-Known Member
Four weeks minimum with out any incidence of disease. I am just curious what are your reasons for quarantining the fish
 
lauremf2002

lauremf2002

Member
I really dont know.
They are brand new and look healthy. I understand why you should quarantine new fish when they will be going into a stocked tank, but these will be the first fish I put in my display soooo..... like I said, Im not really sure. Someone on here said I should. Do you know why I am supposed to quarantine them? lol
 
sepulatian

sepulatian

Moderator
Originally Posted by lauremf2002
http:///forum/post/2954659
I really dont know.
They are brand new and look healthy. I understand why you should quarantine new fish when they will be going into a stocked tank, but these will be the first fish I put in my display soooo..... like I said, Im not really sure. Someone on here said I should. Do you know why I am supposed to quarantine them? lol
Yes, you should quarantine them so that disease does not enter your display. If you were to not quarantine the first fish, and they introduced a parasite, then you would have to remove them for treatment. You would have to chase the fish around and possibly remove the rock to catch them. The display would then have to remain fish less for six weeks. You will know if these fish are carrying anything inside of four weeks. Keep them in the QT for four weeks. Look them over closely every day. Don't worry about the tank size. I had a pair of maroons in a 15 long QT for six months because the male was too small to go in with a lion.
 
florida joe

florida joe

Well-Known Member
Originally Posted by sepulatian
http:///forum/post/2954680
Yes, you should quarantine them so that disease does not enter your display. If you were to not quarantine the first fish, and they introduced a parasite, then you would have to remove them for treatment. You would have to chase the fish around and possibly remove the rock to catch them. The display would then have to remain fish less for six weeks. You will know if these fish are carrying anything inside of four weeks. Keep them in the QT for four weeks. Look them over closely every day. Don't worry about the tank size. I had a pair of maroons in a 15 long QT for six months because the male was too small to go in with a lion.
 
lauremf2002

lauremf2002

Member
phew, I feel better now! Joe had me all freaked out I did something wrong. I guess it was silly that I was doing something I really didnt know the reason for, but Im new! Give me a break. Wow, I did not know they were going to be in there a month though! One woman at the lfs told me a few days and the other told me 1-2 weeks (but also said she never QT's cause it stresses out the fish and that is what got me feeling guilty. Im really starting to think they arent the most reliable source of information...
 
florida joe

florida joe

Well-Known Member
Originally Posted by lauremf2002
http:///forum/post/2954686
phew, I feel better now! Joe had me all freaked out I did something wrong. I guess it was silly that I was doing something I really didnt know the reason for, but Im new! Give me a break. Wow, I did not know they were going to be in there a month though! One woman at the lfs told me a few days and the other told me 1-2 weeks (but also said she never QT's cause it stresses out the fish and that is what got me feeling guilty. Im really starting to think they arent the most reliable source of information...
I did not mean to freak you out. That is why I deferred on answering your question in the hopes that someone more qualified would answer. Any way you got sir Q so I guess it worked out
 
sepulatian

sepulatian

Moderator
Originally Posted by lauremf2002
http:///forum/post/2954686
phew, I feel better now! Joe had me all freaked out I did something wrong. I guess it was silly that I was doing something I really didnt know the reason for, but Im new! Give me a break. Wow, I did not know they were going to be in there a month though! One woman at the lfs told me a few days and the other told me 1-2 weeks (but also said she never QT's cause it stresses out the fish and that is what got me feeling guilty. Im really starting to think they arent the most reliable source of information...
My LFS tells me that fish won't eat foods with vitamins on it. I just smile and nod. I dose every meal with vitamins. I suspect it is because they have never used them. Quarantining fish is an important step in acquiring a new fish. It does take some time, but they show their personality in the QT too. I have a Cherub angel in mine right now, going on week three. A quarantine tank is only stressful if it is uncycled, inadequately sized for the fish that you keep, or without hiding places. My QT is not intricate. I have a few decorations in there and some sponge filters. I haven't lost a fish in there yet.
 
sepulatian

sepulatian

Moderator
Don't let Joe freak you out. He is a a good guy and a great asset to these boards. You will come to know him in time. God help you when you do
 
lauremf2002

lauremf2002

Member
O I know
I have eavesdropped on alot of his advice, and though he hasnt really chatted with me until now, I feel like he is an old friend (surly, old friend) Well I have a fake branching coral thing, two plastic plants, a fake rock thing, and some little fake barnacles. Too much right! I wanted to make it homey for them, O and it has an emperor 280. I was contemplating getting one of those nano skimmers. Do you all think that is necessary, or would it just take up space?
 
lauremf2002

lauremf2002

Member
PS what should I feed them and how often? They gave me some formula one (well made me buy some). But I know you are supposed to offer them a really diverse diet (although, I suspect they have only ever eaten pellets so, Im not sure how to go about getting them to try new things)
 
sepulatian

sepulatian

Moderator
Originally Posted by lauremf2002
http:///forum/post/2954713
O I know
I have eavesdropped on alot of his advice, and though he hasnt really chatted with me until now, I feel like he is an old friend (surly, old friend) Well I have a fake branching coral thing, two plastic plants, a fake rock thing, and some little fake barnacles. Too much right! I wanted to make it homey for them, O and it has an emperor 280. I was contemplating getting one of those nano skimmers. Do you all think that is necessary, or would it just take up space?
That sounds great for them. They will be comfortable. Are you checking the water parameters? A small tank can foul quickly. You could put a nano skimmer on there if you want to, but you do not have to. I have two QT's and no skimmer on either.
BTW, Joe is awesome. He likes to cause a raucous, but give it right back to him. He likes it

Seriously though, he knows his stuff and will help you immensely.
 
sepulatian

sepulatian

Moderator
Originally Posted by lauremf2002
http:///forum/post/2954719
PS what should I feed them and how often? They gave me some formula one (well made me buy some). But I know you are supposed to offer them a really diverse diet (although, I suspect they have only ever eaten pellets so, Im not sure how to go about getting them to try new things)
Formula one pellets, flakes, or frozen? Clowns will eat just about anything. Get them on a healthy diet of frozen or home made. All fish need a variety of foods. They do not eat the same thing in the ocean. I feed mine Marine Supreme by Pro Salt. It is a blend of ocean meats and plant matter. Here are directions for making your own https://www.saltwaterfish.com/vb/show...89&postcount=8
For future reference, it can be found in the Disease and Treatment section, second FAQ down.
 
lauremf2002

lauremf2002

Member
Ok they do not like formula one. They act really hungry and rush over to eat each pellet, but spit back out.
Would they prefer live food or formula two, or flake, or frozen. O dear. Btw tank is 0 ammonia 0 nitrite and 25 trates. Eek, I did a 20 percent water change, when should I do another? Is there anything I can do to lower the trates besides that?
 
lauremf2002

lauremf2002

Member
Umm... I dont have a ph test, but the sg is between 1.023 and 1.024 and I keep both tanks between 78' and 80'. Although I think I need to invest in another heater for the dt because it fluctuates between 76 and 80
 
florida joe

florida joe

Well-Known Member
In this situation I think LESS IS MORE when it comes to the things you have in a QT/HT especially a small one. Keep your artificial items to a bare minimum. Everything you put into your tank takes away from your total water volume and water volume is our best friend
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top