what happens when "my LFS QT'd my fish for me".

geaux xman · 12/31/2011, 06:16 PM

occasionally i'll read on the forum something along the lines of "my LFS QT'd my fish for me for 2 weeks". i even have a local buddy that has told me something similar before. he said he paid the LFS $10 extra.

so does the LFS really put extra effort into QT-ing a $50-100 fish for a customer?

Jeff000 · 12/31/2011, 06:25 PM

Two of my LFS would put a fish into their QT tank for me with no cost, even if the fish is from a different store. But that's more building a relationship then anything.
It's a copper medicated tank with heavy UV. They put fish in and out all the time.

ssick92 · 12/31/2011, 06:29 PM

I doubt it, and even if they try, you would no idea how the fish is doing, and would have to take their word for it. A really good LFS might do a good QT, but I still wouldn't trust it. The only way to know for sure your fish aren't sick is to quarantine them yourself and observe them yourself.

I can see the LFS using a quarantine system where they are just pumping in the same water as the rest of the tanks, which then would introduce potential for ich or other free floating diseases. Which would be bad news bears if you paid them $ to quarantine, when in reality they are just separating them from other fish.

geaux xman · 12/31/2011, 06:43 PM

I know two LFS that uses Copper Power. They'll just tell me they add it and it'll stay in the system for a few months. Ask one guy how much copper he has in his water, he said he has no idea. One guy from my local board got a powder blue tang and the LFS guaranteed him that the fish doesnt have ich. Put it in his tank and sure enough, a day or two later, the PBT is blown up with ich. So he took the fish back.

Anemone · 12/31/2011, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff000

They put fish in and out all the time.

And this would be a problem: introducing new stock into a Q tank means you should start the whole quarantine over again, otherwise you risk infecting the fish that have already been quarantined.

And that would be my major concern with having a LFS quarantine fish for you. I doubt the LFS would have multiple free standing Q-tanks that they could quarantine different stock and still keep them separate. So, anyting you got that had been "quarantined" woudl run the rish of having been recently re-exposed to parasites and/or disease.

Kevin

jimmyj7090 · 12/31/2011, 06:56 PM

Yup, all this kind of 2 week QT really means is that the fish is strong enough to not die that quickly

Saadatski · 12/31/2011, 07:41 PM

I will beg to differ. I do not know what LFS you go to, but mine is one good one. They fish are a bit over priced, like $60 for a yellow tang!! but i QT all my fish, and non of them have been sick that i bought from that store. They keep their fish in a tank that is copper treated slightly and that reduces the chances of the fish getting sick, esp those that are not as prone to disease. I beleive that the LFS should sell healthier fish than online vendors

Agu · 12/31/2011, 09:48 PM

A lot of LFS use a low level of copper in their quarantine/ fish only displays. That does not mean their fish are healthier or less prone to disease. With the life cycle of most parasites/diseases it only means infected fish won't die during the guarantee period.

Reefing Newbie · 12/31/2011, 10:01 PM

My lfs QTs every fish they get before selling. Really all it is is getting the fish to eat healthy and monitor for disease, which to some is all they do for QT. I am prophyatically treating my fish with copper and prazi pro, but that is a story for a different thread. There fish however haven't shown any illness in their sales area. Their fish only display however had a unicorn tang get pop eye, but they aren't for sale and on their own system all together.

jmowbray · 12/31/2011, 10:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reefing Newbie

My lfs QTs every fish they get before selling. Really all it is is getting the fish to eat healthy and monitor for disease, which to some is all they do for QT. I am prophyatically treating my fish with copper and prazi pro, but that is a story for a different thread. There fish however haven't shown any illness in their sales area. Their fish only display however had a unicorn tang get pop eye, but they aren't for sale and on their own system all together.

One of the good stores in MI also QTs all of the fish in the back room of the store. Then after they are done they're moved to the show floor for sale. Even though they do this I would still QT the fish when I got home.

iwishtofish · 12/31/2011, 10:28 PM

Always QT your fish yourself, if you want to be as safe as possible. It only takes one sick fish slipping through the cracks, and making it into the "healthy fish" display system, to ruin your day.

Reefing Newbie · 12/31/2011, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iwishtofish

Always QT your fish yourself, if you want to be as safe as possible. It only takes one sick fish slipping through the cracks, and making it into the "healthy fish" display system, to ruin your day.

Amen to this! I actually had plans for my future. My goal is to be radiologist, but I thought it would be fun to open up a fish store. I would actually treat the fish the way I would at home, but being that most hobbyist don't trust the LFS it would be a waste of money... Unless you know they treat fish prophyatically and have tested the water and have seen the fish in their for 4 weeks then QT your fish!

sanchoy · 01/01/2012, 08:03 AM

All good lfs should already qt their stock. Do i trust them?No. I still qt when i get it home. Qt in lfs imo is only a observation period.

iwishtofish · 01/01/2012, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sanchoy

All good lfs should already qt their stock. Do i trust them?No. I still qt when i get it home. Qt in lfs imo is only a observation period.

There are a certainly a couple of benefits to the efforts of the "QT" performed at the LFS: You are more likely to end up with a less-timid fish, and one that is taking prepared foods.

Reefing Newbie · 01/01/2012, 11:11 AM

The QT at the lfs takes away some of the work you have to do as far as getting your fish to eat captive food. I can see why some are so picky lol.

Utah Fatman · 01/01/2012, 11:10 PM

Since I'm new here maybe someone could point me to a thread or explain how one should run their own QT tank? How long the fish or coral need to stay in, what water treatments should be included, etc?

tebstan · 01/01/2012, 11:40 PM

The LFS I worked at.... to QT a fish meant to put it in a tank in the back to die where no one could see it.

No matter how hard I tried to set up a quarantine system and explain the benefits, there were just too many people on staff who just plain didn't care.

MuffsAbby · 01/02/2012, 12:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Utah Fatman

Since I'm new here maybe someone could point me to a thread or explain how one should run their own QT tank? How long the fish or coral need to stay in, what water treatments should be included, etc?

There are a number of stickies in the Fish Disease Forum and the New to Hobby Forum. In addition, this is a good article:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-1...ture/index.php

tkeracer619 · 01/02/2012, 01:25 AM

My favorite LFS here does a great job QTing the fish. They do it properly.

I also purchase from divers den and have had nothing but great a experience.

Always QT but also always buy from a credible source so that the fish you receive is healthy and eating.

AutoEXE · 01/02/2012, 01:40 AM

Mine does my best friend a my wife both work there and I get to go and even look at them while they are Qting the fish!!! its always a good deal to make friends at the LFS or even get you wife a job there lol

Utah Fatman · 01/02/2012, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MuffsAbby

There are a number of stickies in the Fish Disease Forum and the New to Hobby Forum. In addition, this is a good article:

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-1...ture/index.php

Thanks a bunch for the link. Really helpful.

Kevin

csmfish · 01/02/2012, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Utah Fatman

Since I'm new here maybe someone could point me to a thread or explain how one should run their own QT tank? How long the fish or coral need to stay in, what water treatments should be included, etc?

Its all in here, you will just have to search for it. Expect to take at least 3 months min to get a good understanding of what is what, and, as said, its all in here. I spent a good 7 months before I even made a move.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tebstan

The LFS I worked at.... to QT a fish meant to put it in a tank in the back to die where no one could see it.

No matter how hard I tried to set up a quarantine system and explain the benefits, there were just too many people on staff who just plain didn't care.

Thats humans for you! Probably explains why I dont like people and generally avoid them, lol.

12/31/2011, 06:16 PM	#1
geaux xman Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Baton Rouge, LA Posts: 3,279	what happens when "my LFS QT'd my fish for me". occasionally i'll read on the forum something along the lines of "my LFS QT'd my fish for me for 2 weeks". i even have a local buddy that has told me something similar before. he said he paid the LFS $10 extra. so does the LFS really put extra effort into QT-ing a $50-100 fish for a customer? __________________ - Miracles 180g 60x30x23" rimless FOWLR - Youtube video: Miracles 180g March 2013 Last edited by geaux xman; 12/31/2011 at 06:23 PM.

12/31/2011, 06:29 PM	#3
ssick92 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: San Clemente, CA Posts: 911	I doubt it, and even if they try, you would no idea how the fish is doing, and would have to take their word for it. A really good LFS might do a good QT, but I still wouldn't trust it. The only way to know for sure your fish aren't sick is to quarantine them yourself and observe them yourself. I can see the LFS using a quarantine system where they are just pumping in the same water as the rest of the tanks, which then would introduce potential for ich or other free floating diseases. Which would be bad news bears if you paid them $ to quarantine, when in reality they are just separating them from other fish. __________________ John IM Nuvo 10g Mixed Reef Nano \| Kessil A160we \| Mp10QD \| Osmolator Nano

12/31/2011, 06:43 PM	#4
geaux xman Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Baton Rouge, LA Posts: 3,279	I know two LFS that uses Copper Power. They'll just tell me they add it and it'll stay in the system for a few months. Ask one guy how much copper he has in his water, he said he has no idea. One guy from my local board got a powder blue tang and the LFS guaranteed him that the fish doesnt have ich. Put it in his tank and sure enough, a day or two later, the PBT is blown up with ich. So he took the fish back. __________________ - Miracles 180g 60x30x23" rimless FOWLR - Youtube video: Miracles 180g March 2013

12/31/2011, 06:56 PM	#6
jimmyj7090 aka John K Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Sudbury Posts: 2,367	Yup, all this kind of 2 week QT really means is that the fish is strong enough to not die that quickly __________________ my reef ate my wallet Current Tank Info: 57G, RBTA's Zoa's and softies

12/31/2011, 07:41 PM	#7
Saadatski Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 875	I will beg to differ. I do not know what LFS you go to, but mine is one good one. They fish are a bit over priced, like $60 for a yellow tang!! but i QT all my fish, and non of them have been sick that i bought from that store. They keep their fish in a tank that is copper treated slightly and that reduces the chances of the fish getting sick, esp those that are not as prone to disease. I beleive that the LFS should sell healthier fish than online vendors __________________ 75 gallon FOWLR for now- 2x250w MH Current USA Outer Orbit with T5 actinic, Vortech MP40

12/31/2011, 06:25 PM	#2
Jeff000 Electrician Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 1,653	Two of my LFS would put a fish into their QT tank for me with no cost, even if the fish is from a different store. But that's more building a relationship then anything. It's a copper medicated tank with heavy UV. They put fish in and out all the time.

12/31/2011, 09:48 PM	#8
Agu Registered Member Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: Sarasota, Florida Posts: 30,279	A lot of LFS use a low level of copper in their quarantine/ fish only displays. That does not mean their fish are healthier or less prone to disease. With the life cycle of most parasites/diseases it only means infected fish won't die during the guarantee period. __________________ Less technology , more biology . Current Tank Info: 30 gallon half cube and 5.5, both reef tanks

12/31/2011, 10:01 PM	#9
Reefing Newbie Registered Member. Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,435	My lfs QTs every fish they get before selling. Really all it is is getting the fish to eat healthy and monitor for disease, which to some is all they do for QT. I am prophyatically treating my fish with copper and prazi pro, but that is a story for a different thread. There fish however haven't shown any illness in their sales area. Their fish only display however had a unicorn tang get pop eye, but they aren't for sale and on their own system all together.

12/31/2011, 10:28 PM	#11
iwishtofish Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Southern Maryland Posts: 4,949	Always QT your fish yourself, if you want to be as safe as possible. It only takes one sick fish slipping through the cracks, and making it into the "healthy fish" display system, to ruin your day.

01/01/2012, 08:03 AM	#13
sanchoy Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Close to the ocean Posts: 1,026	All good lfs should already qt their stock. Do i trust them?No. I still qt when i get it home. Qt in lfs imo is only a observation period. __________________ 250 gallon.. tangs are the best.. the po po is not. Current Tank Info: 250 reef

01/01/2012, 11:11 AM	#15
Reefing Newbie Registered Member. Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Minnesota Posts: 2,435	The QT at the lfs takes away some of the work you have to do as far as getting your fish to eat captive food. I can see why some are so picky lol.

01/01/2012, 11:10 PM	#16
Utah Fatman Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Posts: 119	Since I'm new here maybe someone could point me to a thread or explain how one should run their own QT tank? How long the fish or coral need to stay in, what water treatments should be included, etc?

01/01/2012, 11:40 PM	#17
tebstan Registered Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 961	The LFS I worked at.... to QT a fish meant to put it in a tank in the back to die where no one could see it. No matter how hard I tried to set up a quarantine system and explain the benefits, there were just too many people on staff who just plain didn't care. __________________ Washington's Rule #110: Labor to keep alive in your breast that little spark of celestial fire called conscience.

01/02/2012, 01:25 AM	#19
tkeracer619 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Westminster, CO Posts: 17,289	My favorite LFS here does a great job QTing the fish. They do it properly. I also purchase from divers den and have had nothing but great a experience. Always QT but also always buy from a credible source so that the fish you receive is healthy and eating. __________________ Hobby Experience: 9200ish gallons, 26 skimmers, and a handful of Kent Scrapers. Current Tank: Vortech Powered 600G SPS Tank w/ 100gal frag tank & 100g Sump. RK2-RK10 Skimmer. ReefAngel. Radium 20k.

01/02/2012, 01:40 AM	#20
AutoEXE Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: virginia beach Posts: 82	Mine does my best friend a my wife both work there and I get to go and even look at them while they are Qting the fish!!! its always a good deal to make friends at the LFS or even get you wife a job there lol __________________ I love animals. I have: Ball Pythons, 75gal Reef Tank, Cats, Dogs, Rats. Current Tank Info: 75gal Saltwater reef tank

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