What if quarantine tank isn't an option?

NedFlounders · 04/22/2015, 12:31 PM

Hi everyone,

Noob here on a topic that's probably been covered to death. I actually did search but couldn't find a thread pertaining to my question.

I've read a ton on this forum about the pros and cons of having a QT tank, and I think it's an awesome precautionary measure. But what if having a QT isn't an option? We simply do not have the space

Aside from:
*good visual inspection at a trusted LFS
*maintaining a healthy DT
*dipping corals/fish in a solution
*coercing a friend to host it for you...

What other options are there?

Kyle461 · 04/22/2015, 12:34 PM

You can look at fresh water dips before introducing them to the DT.

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=1966422

CHSUB · 04/22/2015, 12:44 PM

most don't quarantine, just hope and pray!!!!

scooter31707 · 04/22/2015, 12:56 PM

If at all possible try and get one. Maybe even a 5 gallon could work depending on how big the fish are. Stick it on your night stand or dresser. This is my second go around with saltwater and I made room and money for a QT.

hogfanreefer · 04/22/2015, 12:58 PM

Find a friend who is good at quarantine and pay him to do it?

I can't think of a scenario where it truly isn't an option. It's not expensive, it's temporary and doesn't take much space.

MondoBongo · 04/22/2015, 01:09 PM

there are no acceptable alternatives to quarantine.

it is practiced by every reputable public institution, zoos, aquariums, etc... and is a cornerstone to maintaining a happy and healthy collection.

your QT system doesn't need to be a permanent fixture, and it doesn't need to be fancy or complex. something as simple as a 5 or 10 gallon tank, setup appropriately, will work wonders.

ska d · 04/22/2015, 01:20 PM

If its a fish only tank then treating pro actively might help. But then you are treating every fish every time you add a new one. And also what do you treat for. Medicating for everything would probay stress the fish to death. Only thing I can think of is if your LFS does any kind of qt. And if they are willing to hold the fish for a couple of weeks that would help. I don't qt for the same reason, space. But I generally only add or replace a fish once a year, so I'm not taking the gamble very often. And when I do get a new fish I always "try" to get one that has been in the store for a couple of weeks at least. Doesn't mean the fish isn't carrying something but it helps.

Kyle461 · 04/22/2015, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MondoBongo

there are no acceptable alternatives to quarantine.

it is practiced by every reputable public institution, zoos, aquariums, etc... and is a cornerstone to maintaining a happy and healthy collection.

Although frowned upon by "reputable" hobbyists, there are other choices. Having no QT is a choice. May not be the best but it's a choice. I don't understand the rational behind this response. OP stated they had no room and asked for alternatives. Who knows the situation and it is very possible that a QT tank is not an option.

NedFlounders · 04/22/2015, 01:38 PM

The real hurdle is getting my wife to buy off on yet another fish tank. Technically we have the space. She's awesome and is all about our first tank we're getting next week (110 gallon corner acrylic), but to her....having me say "babe we need another tank for quarantine"...i get rolling eyes!

lol

I will continue to try and convince her for even a small one. The night stand idea sounds good too.

Kyle461 · 04/22/2015, 01:41 PM

Well then my argument/rant becomes invalid......

ReefsandGeeks · 04/22/2015, 01:51 PM

I'll admit I don't have QT and have ben lucky enough not to have a problem. Not everyone is so lucky though. You can risk not getting one, but then can introduce ICH or other desease into the tank. Maybe tell the wife if you get a sick fsh in her the tank will have to be run empty for 10+ weeks. She might change her mind then. Other alternatives, as stated above would be to treat the whole tank when something comes up. Every time you buy a fish you will be at risk, so you just have to decide if you'd rather have eye rolls or te best chance of a healthy tank. I was unaware of QT when started, so I figured the tank was already contaminated with anything I might have gotten. I'd do QT if I could though.

lazydaze73 · 04/22/2015, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NedFlounders

The real hurdle is getting my wife to buy off on yet another fish tank. Technically we have the space. She's awesome and is all about our first tank we're getting next week (110 gallon corner acrylic), but to her....having me say "babe we need another tank for quarantine"...i get rolling eyes!

lol

I will continue to try and convince her for even a small one. The night stand idea sounds good too.

My wife was the same way until her favorite blue tang died from ich. I then had to explain the need for a qt tank so it won't keep happening. She changed her mind after that. I just have to keep it in the garage.

MondoBongo · 04/22/2015, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kyle461

Although frowned upon by "reputable" hobbyists, there are other choices. Having no QT is a choice. May not be the best but it's a choice. I don't understand the rational behind this response. OP stated they had no room and asked for alternatives. Who knows the situation and it is very possible that a QT tank is not an option.

that is why i qualified with the word acceptable.

reputable should not be in quotes here. if someone advises you not to quarantine, they are the furthest thing from reputable.

Quote:

Originally Posted by NedFlounders

The real hurdle is getting my wife to buy off on yet another fish tank. Technically we have the space. She's awesome and is all about our first tank we're getting next week (110 gallon corner acrylic), but to her....having me say "babe we need another tank for quarantine"...i get rolling eyes!

lol

I will continue to try and convince her for even a small one. The night stand idea sounds good too.

the strategy that i've found to be effective there is to let her pick a fish she really, really loves.

then say "you know, i'd hate to see that fish get sick from any new additions..."

work that angle. it helps when you have the leverage of a fish she loves.

Sk8r · 04/22/2015, 02:09 PM

It's a 4 week barren, no sand no rock no light tank with a small floss filter and a heater in which you keep a fish in isolation and watch it for disease outbreak. We're not talking about a whole other permanent tank. The fuss that results from an ich outbreak (1-3 extra tanks for tank transfer, all like a qt, with daily cleaning and setup, plus the dt with no fish for 12 weeks) would not make the spousal unit happier. Recite the 'better or worse' bit and promise to take her out to dinner.

ryeguyy84 · 04/22/2015, 02:34 PM

I have a 10 Gallon I keep in the basement for QT. nothing special, I just picked up a petsmart 10G package for like $50

Coelli · 04/22/2015, 02:34 PM

I am going to admit that I did not quarantine any of my fish, purchased over several months. I bought them all from my LFS which does quarantine their fish in the back. I do have a 10 gallon QT, but the first time I QT'd one of the fish died overnight, the tank crashed (my fault for not having enough biological filtration) and it killed the other two small neon gobies and a pair of tiny baby clowns. I have since upgraded the HOB and have had it running for 3-4 months with nothing in it in case of emergency. I guess what I'm saying is yes, QT is the better option. Failing that, if you have a great LFS and they quarantine, you can gamble (knowing you [and the fish]) could lose. Proceed with caution!!

I finally got the courage to try the baby clowns again; I did not QT them. They were raised locally and were in isolation in their own tank (not plumbed into the main system) at the LFS for a few weeks before I brought them home. It's been 4 weeks and they're doing well in an acclimation box in my DT.

brianr24 · 04/22/2015, 03:05 PM

the strategy that i've found to be effective there is to let her pick a fish she really, really loves.

then say "you know, i'd hate to see that fish get sick from any new additions..."

work that angle. it helps when you have the leverage of a fish she loves.[/QUOTE]

Mmmm. I would listen to this guy. He's dangerously smart.

gone fishin · 04/22/2015, 03:23 PM

I would never trust a LFS that says they QT. There may be a few that properly QT. But there are numerous posts with " I don't understand my LFS QT but my fish is sick". Trust no one but yourself when it comes to QT.

Coelli · 04/22/2015, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gone fishin

I would never trust a LFS that says they QT. There may be a few that properly QT. But there are numerous posts with " I don't understand my LFS QT but my fish is sick". Trust no one but yourself when it comes to QT.

My LFS is a very small, family-run store that specializes in coral and has a very good reputation in the local reefer community. I've been in the back several times and have seen their quarantine and growout tanks. No, you shouldn't trust a store that you don't know, but I wouldn't make a blanket "trust no one" statement either. There ARE good stores out there if you are lucky enough to live near one.

Clowny88 · 04/22/2015, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NedFlounders

The real hurdle is getting my wife to buy off on yet another fish tank. Technically we have the space. She's awesome and is all about our first tank we're getting next week (110 gallon corner acrylic), but to her....having me say "babe we need another tank for quarantine"...i get rolling eyes!

lol

I will continue to try and convince her for even a small one. The night stand idea sounds good too.

Mine too. 10g at Petco for $10. Going fast.

We have 5 tanks downstairs... Empty QTs on standby... I'll let my wife roll her eyes at me (she does plenty of that)... to make sure Sweetness and Shrimpy stay healthy.

ryeguyy84 · 04/22/2015, 04:26 PM

Weird your shrimp is named shrimpy too hahaha

homer1475 · 04/22/2015, 04:30 PM

You mean we don't all name fish like that? Shrimpy, clowny, flamy(flame angel), etc, etc. My niece(no kids of my own) comes over to look at my tank and names all my fish like that.

Clowny88 · 04/22/2015, 04:31 PM

Yeah... My 5 year old named them.

Clowns were Salty and Sweet... Salty beat up Sweet so bad he had to go.

Pepp is Shrimpy.

And purple firefish is Scaredy Cat because he is always hiding in his cave, lol.

And of course, I did name Jaws... My hermit crab that murdered a giant snail for the shell.

gone fishin · 04/22/2015, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coelli

My LFS is a very small, family-run store that specializes in coral and has a very good reputation in the local reefer community. I've been in the back several times and have seen their quarantine and growout tanks. No, you shouldn't trust a store that you don't know, but I wouldn't make a blanket "trust no one" statement either. There ARE good stores out there if you are lucky enough to live near one.

I am glad you live near one. I would still advise folks to not trust LFS QT. If Steve "Snorvich" gave me a fish I would still QT it.

Nina51 · 04/22/2015, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coelli

My LFS is a very small, family-run store that specializes in coral and has a very good reputation in the local reefer community. I've been in the back several times and have seen their quarantine and growout tanks. No, you shouldn't trust a store that you don't know, but I wouldn't make a blanket "trust no one" statement either. There ARE good stores out there if you are lucky enough to live near one.

unless they are breeding every single fish they sell, you are still taking a chance. if they sell fish from an outside source, those fish are being housed in the same system as those they have bred, i would assume. if that's the case, there is a good chance of bringing disease in.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gone fishin

If Steve "Snorvich" gave me a fish I would still QT it.

this makes me giggle. i've always said the only time i wouldn't qt a fish would be if i got it from steve.

04/22/2015, 12:31 PM	#1
NedFlounders Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Orlando, Fl Posts: 239	What if quarantine tank isn't an option? Hi everyone, Noob here on a topic that's probably been covered to death. I actually did search but couldn't find a thread pertaining to my question. I've read a ton on this forum about the pros and cons of having a QT tank, and I think it's an awesome precautionary measure. But what if having a QT isn't an option? We simply do not have the space Aside from: good visual inspection at a trusted LFS maintaining a healthy DT dipping corals/fish in a solution coercing a friend to host it for you... What other options are there?

04/22/2015, 12:34 PM	#2
Kyle461 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Corpus Christi, TX Posts: 438	You can look at fresh water dips before introducing them to the DT. http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=1966422 __________________ Nadie me paga en chicles!! Build Thread: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2485917 Current Tank Info: 40 gallon breeder (2/17/15); 20L 3-chamber sump; Tunze Nano ATO; Hydor 320gph return and Circulation 850 gph; Coralife Super Skimmer 125 G; Marineland 24"-36" Reef LED

04/22/2015, 12:44 PM	#3
CHSUB "Certified Hobby Expert" Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Miami, Fl Posts: 2,038	most don't quarantine, just hope and pray!!!! __________________ Goniopora Police _________________ building a 60"x36"x30" peninsula reef...follow at "NEW TANK BUILD" on reef discussion forum! http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2110638

04/22/2015, 12:58 PM	#5
hogfanreefer Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Conway, AR Posts: 2,117	Find a friend who is good at quarantine and pay him to do it? I can't think of a scenario where it truly isn't an option. It's not expensive, it's temporary and doesn't take much space. __________________ DSA 155,Custom Trigger 42" sump/refugium, MP40 X2, MP 10 X 2, AI Hydra 52 X3, Apex controller, Tunze ATO Current Tank Info: DSA 155 gallon, mixed reef, SPS and wrasse dominant

04/22/2015, 01:09 PM	#6
MondoBongo Obligate Feeder Obsessed Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 4,061	there are no acceptable alternatives to quarantine. it is practiced by every reputable public institution, zoos, aquariums, etc... and is a cornerstone to maintaining a happy and healthy collection. your QT system doesn't need to be a permanent fixture, and it doesn't need to be fancy or complex. something as simple as a 5 or 10 gallon tank, setup appropriately, will work wonders. __________________ [Citation Needed] "You don't use science to show that you're right, you use science to become right" - xkcd Current Tank Info: A rectangular shaped money pit.

04/22/2015, 12:56 PM	#4
scooter31707 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2015 Location: Virginia Posts: 4,971	If at all possible try and get one. Maybe even a 5 gallon could work depending on how big the fish are. Stick it on your night stand or dresser. This is my second go around with saltwater and I made room and money for a QT.

04/22/2015, 01:20 PM	#7
ska d Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: toronto Posts: 508	If its a fish only tank then treating pro actively might help. But then you are treating every fish every time you add a new one. And also what do you treat for. Medicating for everything would probay stress the fish to death. Only thing I can think of is if your LFS does any kind of qt. And if they are willing to hold the fish for a couple of weeks that would help. I don't qt for the same reason, space. But I generally only add or replace a fish once a year, so I'm not taking the gamble very often. And when I do get a new fish I always "try" to get one that has been in the store for a couple of weeks at least. Doesn't mean the fish isn't carrying something but it helps.

04/22/2015, 01:38 PM	#9
NedFlounders Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Orlando, Fl Posts: 239	The real hurdle is getting my wife to buy off on yet another fish tank. Technically we have the space. She's awesome and is all about our first tank we're getting next week (110 gallon corner acrylic), but to her....having me say "babe we need another tank for quarantine"...i get rolling eyes! lol I will continue to try and convince her for even a small one. The night stand idea sounds good too.

04/22/2015, 01:41 PM	#10
Kyle461 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: Corpus Christi, TX Posts: 438	Well then my argument/rant becomes invalid...... __________________ Nadie me paga en chicles!! Build Thread: http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2485917 Current Tank Info: 40 gallon breeder (2/17/15); 20L 3-chamber sump; Tunze Nano ATO; Hydor 320gph return and Circulation 850 gph; Coralife Super Skimmer 125 G; Marineland 24"-36" Reef LED

04/22/2015, 01:51 PM	#11
ReefsandGeeks Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 1,708	I'll admit I don't have QT and have ben lucky enough not to have a problem. Not everyone is so lucky though. You can risk not getting one, but then can introduce ICH or other desease into the tank. Maybe tell the wife if you get a sick fsh in her the tank will have to be run empty for 10+ weeks. She might change her mind then. Other alternatives, as stated above would be to treat the whole tank when something comes up. Every time you buy a fish you will be at risk, so you just have to decide if you'd rather have eye rolls or te best chance of a healthy tank. I was unaware of QT when started, so I figured the tank was already contaminated with anything I might have gotten. I'd do QT if I could though.

04/22/2015, 02:09 PM	#14
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	It's a 4 week barren, no sand no rock no light tank with a small floss filter and a heater in which you keep a fish in isolation and watch it for disease outbreak. We're not talking about a whole other permanent tank. The fuss that results from an ich outbreak (1-3 extra tanks for tank transfer, all like a qt, with daily cleaning and setup, plus the dt with no fish for 12 weeks) would not make the spousal unit happier. Recite the 'better or worse' bit and promise to take her out to dinner. __________________ Sk8r Salinity 1.024-6; alkalinity 8.3-9.3 on KH scale; calcium 420; magnesium 1300, temp 78-80, nitrate .2. Ammonia 0. No filters: lps tank. Alk and cal won't rise if mg is low. Current Tank Info: 105g AquaVim wedge, yellow tang, sailfin blenny,royal gramma, ocellaris clown pair, yellow watchman, 100 microceriths, 25 tiny hermits, a 4" conch, 1" nassarius, recovering from 2 year hiatus with daily water change of 10%.

04/22/2015, 02:34 PM	#15
ryeguyy84 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: New Jersey Posts: 2,753	I have a 10 Gallon I keep in the basement for QT. nothing special, I just picked up a petsmart 10G package for like $50

04/22/2015, 02:34 PM	#16
Coelli Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Tujunga, CA Posts: 1,443	I am going to admit that I did not quarantine any of my fish, purchased over several months. I bought them all from my LFS which does quarantine their fish in the back. I do have a 10 gallon QT, but the first time I QT'd one of the fish died overnight, the tank crashed (my fault for not having enough biological filtration) and it killed the other two small neon gobies and a pair of tiny baby clowns. I have since upgraded the HOB and have had it running for 3-4 months with nothing in it in case of emergency. I guess what I'm saying is yes, QT is the better option. Failing that, if you have a great LFS and they quarantine, you can gamble (knowing you [and the fish]) could lose. Proceed with caution!! I finally got the courage to try the baby clowns again; I did not QT them. They were raised locally and were in isolation in their own tank (not plumbed into the main system) at the LFS for a few weeks before I brought them home. It's been 4 weeks and they're doing well in an acclimation box in my DT.

04/22/2015, 03:05 PM	#17
brianr24 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: P.A. Posts: 256	the strategy that i've found to be effective there is to let her pick a fish she really, really loves. then say "you know, i'd hate to see that fish get sick from any new additions..." work that angle. it helps when you have the leverage of a fish she loves.[/QUOTE] Mmmm. I would listen to this guy. He's dangerously smart.

04/22/2015, 03:23 PM	#18
gone fishin Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Wyocena Wi Posts: 6,936	I would never trust a LFS that says they QT. There may be a few that properly QT. But there are numerous posts with " I don't understand my LFS QT but my fish is sick". Trust no one but yourself when it comes to QT. __________________ Tony Current Tank Info: 180gal DT, BM NAC77 skimmer,3 Maxspect razors, Maxspect Gyre 150, 30g QT

04/22/2015, 04:26 PM	#21
ryeguyy84 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: New Jersey Posts: 2,753	Weird your shrimp is named shrimpy too hahaha __________________ Current tank: 90G mixed reef. Current Tank Info: 90 gallon

04/22/2015, 04:30 PM	#22
homer1475 Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Upstate NY Posts: 5,313	You mean we don't all name fish like that? Shrimpy, clowny, flamy(flame angel), etc, etc. My niece(no kids of my own) comes over to look at my tank and names all my fish like that. __________________ 80G SCA Build: http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2560256 Originally posted by der_wille_zur_macht: "He's just taking his lunch to work"

04/22/2015, 04:31 PM	#23
Clowny88 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: N. Illinois Posts: 270	Yeah... My 5 year old named them. Clowns were Salty and Sweet... Salty beat up Sweet so bad he had to go. Pepp is Shrimpy. And purple firefish is Scaredy Cat because he is always hiding in his cave, lol. And of course, I did name Jaws... My hermit crab that murdered a giant snail for the shell.