Quarantine Tank

[jameson07]

I have a 20g tank that I would like to set up as a quarantine tank. I have a 40g sponge filter running in it currently.

We are trying to catch our own fish, and I would like to know the best way to quarantine them before releasing them in my display tank.

Also how long should I let the quarantine tank filter before putting a fish in it?

Please let me know if you have any recommendations!

Thank you

 

[brandonberry]

I have the same 20g setup. I use a method adapted from our public aquarium here in NC for the fish I catch. I dip them for 5 minutes in a freshwater bath with 2 drops of formalin per gallon of water before placing them in the quarantine tank.

To speed up the cycle of the sponger filter, use a gravel vac to suck up some detritus from the sand bed in your main tank. Then simply suck it all up into the sponge. Put the sponge filter in your quarantine tank and fill with water from your main tank. (good excuse to do a water change)

I ususally try to keep the fish quarantined for a minimum of 3-4 weeks assuming there is no sign of disease. I have treated many new fish (around 20-30) this way with nearly a 100% success rate thus far over the past 3-4 months. None have developed any disease outbreaks and I have only lost 1 or 2 due to stress.

 

[jameson07]

hey thanks alot brandonberry i set it up that way and it seems to be doing great.