How long to QT new fish?

"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
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