Quarantine

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What is it?[edit]

Quarantine is a procedure where new livestock are kept in a physically separate aquarium system for a temporary period to adjust and inspect for disease and unwanted hitchhikers. The separate system is often a single tank referred to as a Quarantine Tank.

Benefits[edit]

  • Feed without competition. Transportation stresses often mean fish are reluctant to eat.
  • Regain health without harassment. Territorial fish may harass newcomers.
  • Prevent spread of disease, parasites and pathogens to existing livestock
  • Prophylactic treatment
  • Spot unwanted hitchhikers
  • Acclimate to destination tank

What to quarantine[edit]

  • Ideally anything that may harbor disease, unwanted microorganisms or animals
    • fish
    • invertebrates
    • coral
    • live rock
    • even empty shells (may have worms or small animals hiding inside)

Setup[edit]

  • filtration
  • bare bottom
  • hiding places
  • cover sides

Protocol[edit]

  • separate tools and equipment
  • keeps lights off first day
  • time frame (2 * 4 weeks)
  • inspection
  • new animal = reset time frame
  • if disease is found sterilize equip

Alternatives[edit]

  • obtain livestock from a reputable store
  • obtain livestock from a other hobbyists

Links[edit]