Western Cichlid Forum

Quarantining your fish is something that all of us need to do at some point or another. To maintain a healthy aquarium, all new habitants should be quarantined for around 14 days to ensure no nasties are transfered into your prized tank.

Diseases most often occur when the fish is purchased. It may be living in poor water or getting bullied by other more dominant fish. One of the more common problems associated with purchasing fish is white spot or ich but there a many others to watch out for like Skin Fluke Infection, Gill Fluke Infection,bloat, and a myriad of others to watch out for. The simplest way to avoid contaminating your display or breeding tanks is quarantine.

Quarantining your fish does not mean that your fish is sick. It is simply a safety measure to ensure the well being of your current stock. An extended period of isolation will allow you to observe the fish for indications of disease. If a fish is observed to be unhealthy then appropriate medication can be administered to restore its health.

Often fish purchased can be under nourished and being isolated can be a very effective way of feeding up your fish to a healthy state.

If Fish are purchased from different sources, it is often best to isolate them in separate quarantine tanks.

Smaller tanks mean less medication, Most aquarium based medications are medicated by water volume.

Quarantine tanks are best small. An 18-24 inch tank is the best to use. They are cheap and easily setup. An established air filter or small powerhead filter is often all that is needed for filtration, a few little caves and cover for the fish to hide under to feel comfortable and a small heater. Sometimes a very light scattering of gravel may also benefit if the fish can see their reflection on the base of the tank. Lighting is not important and in fact the fish are probably a little more comfortable sitting in a dim tank. A small one may be used though for your observation. Overcrowding should be avoided so if you need a slightly larger tank then invest in one. Your prized tank is worth it!!

Water temp should be set at between 26-28 degree’s though that is a general recommendation and care should be taken for the species you have. If you are unsure then google the species in question for a guide to comfortable water temps and raise by a degree or two. What this does is encourage early manifestation of symptoms if hidden disease is present and will also promote the liveliest behavior that the fishes should be capable of showing.

Keep your tank clean. Changing 1/3 of the water for every week you have your fish in quarantine is recommended along with a gravel clean with the obligatory siphon.

If after your quarantine period you are satisfied your fish are healthy then you may add to your tank to enjoy.

Chuck