How long to QT new fish?

In an effort to maintain hope that my 10g tank will eventually cycle,
I'm planning what to do when it's done... And at present, the plan is
to get three neons (to keep company with the three that are in there
now (long story, I know now, don't listen to fish stores)).

My question is, how long do I keep the little guys in quarantine
(assuming there are no problems observed during the QT - I know if
there are problems observed, the QT time will have to be extended)?

Thanks,

Liz

"Liz" wrote in message
oups.com...
In an effort to maintain hope that my 10g tank will eventually cycle,
I'm planning what to do when it's done... And at present, the plan is
to get three neons (to keep company with the three that are in there
now (long story, I know now, don't listen to fish stores)).

My question is, how long do I keep the little guys in quarantine
(assuming there are no problems observed during the QT - I know if
there are problems observed, the QT time will have to be extended)?
=====================
I quarantine all new fish for 21 days. It's a little excessive, but better
safe than sorry.
--
My Pond & Aquarium Pages:
http://bellsouthpwp.net/s/h/shastadaisy
~~~ }((((o ~~~ }{{{{o ~~~ }(((((o

"Liz" wrote in message
oups.com...
In an effort to maintain hope that my 10g tank will eventually cycle,
I'm planning what to do when it's done... And at present, the plan is
to get three neons (to keep company with the three that are in there
now (long story, I know now, don't listen to fish stores)).

My question is, how long do I keep the little guys in quarantine
(assuming there are no problems observed during the QT - I know if
there are problems observed, the QT time will have to be extended)?

Thanks,

Liz


There is no hard & fast rule. Different lengths will expose different
pathogens, and anything dormant may not even show up in a quarantine.
Also the type of fish (their susceptibilities) and the destination tank
(size of financial & emotional investment) will influence your decision.
I like to set up a new tank for a bunch of new arrivals, consequently it
might be 3 months before my home fish are exposed to the latest
additions. Other times, it's straight in they go. Two to three weeks Q
is commonly used. For a tank of Neons, Rasboras & Corys, with some
artificial plants & decorations, I would not bother with quarantine.
This is maybe $20 of fish, and a tank that would be easy to sterilize in
the unlikely situation where it was needed. Keep in mind that this is
the type of fish where medications are not very effective if the fish are
acclimating. The cure usually kills as fast as the disease. Also there
is some stress associated with your typical Q-tank, so considering
everything, I'd stick them all together and cross my fingers while
feeding some quality foods, keeping their temperature steady and their
water clean. jmo
--
www.NetMax.tk

Thanks again, NetMax.

I hadn't thought about the medications not being effective while the
fish are acclimating, but that makes good sense.

I'll say a prayer and *then* cross my fingers :-)

Liz

I have to agree with NetMax (I almost called you Netflix, hehe) that it
really depends. For the average household aquarium without
extraordinarily expensive fish I find that about 3-4 weeks is generally
enough time for pathogens and parasites to present themselves. Of
course, if something does turn up you should treat your quarantined
fish and then repeat the 4 week quarantining period. Everyone's number
is different but I wouldn't do any less then 3 weeks for new arrivals.

Thanks, ID - looks like 2 weeks is an absolute minimum and 4 weeks is
enough to not have to worry. I'll keep this in mind so that if I do
decide to quarantine, I've got an idea how long (lots of stuff out
there that says to QT, very little that says how long - go figure).

Thanks,

Liz