Quarantine Tank q's

[blu11]

Hey there
I am a bit confused about the whole quarantine process. I have one book that suggests a 3-4 week quarantine on new fish and another book that suggests a few days. What is the proper length of time you should keep new fish in the QT before moving them into the main tank? Also when I get my first fish do I need to quarantine them or can I just put them in my main tank as there are no other fish in there yet? And lastly...do you need to quarantine invertebrates as well...ie cleanup crew (snail, crabs etc.)?
Thanks

 

[airforceb2]

IMO...QT every fish for about a week and a half to 2 weeks. Some will say a month and some will say a couple weeks. This will ensure the fish is parasite free and healthy. I wouldn't put the inverts in but that is just me.

 

[blu11]

Cool...thanks again for the advice. Do I need to quarantine my first fish or just everyone after that?

 

[airforceb2]

I would do the first one because if it comes with ich, the ich will stay in the tank.