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judya · 07-30-2006, 06:14 PM

You want to cycle and heat a quarantine tank just like a regular one. It only needs a little filter, just enough for the quantity of new fish. It can be barebottom though and minimally decorated, just enough cover to make the fish feel secure. The idea is to put new fish in the quarantine tank for a period of up to three weeks. Then if they have some ugly disease from the fish store, like ick, it will show up there and 1) they won't give it to your other fish, 2) it will be easy to treat.

Once you feel they are healthy, you can put them in a bag or clean bucket with their home water, gradually add the main tank water to acclimate them, then net them out (so no quarantine water gets into the main tank) and put them into the main tank.

Seems like a lot of work, but you will appreciate it when your main tank is healthy and thriving and you don't bring something in that will kill all your new fish and your old ones too.

Also works as a hospital tank for any main fish tank fish that is sickly, breeding, isolation if you happen to get babies, etc.

07-30-2006, 06:14 PM	#2
judya Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Columbus, Ohio Age: 55 Posts: 223	You want to cycle and heat a quarantine tank just like a regular one. It only needs a little filter, just enough for the quantity of new fish. It can be barebottom though and minimally decorated, just enough cover to make the fish feel secure. The idea is to put new fish in the quarantine tank for a period of up to three weeks. Then if they have some ugly disease from the fish store, like ick, it will show up there and 1) they won't give it to your other fish, 2) it will be easy to treat. Once you feel they are healthy, you can put them in a bag or clean bucket with their home water, gradually add the main tank water to acclimate them, then net them out (so no quarantine water gets into the main tank) and put them into the main tank. Seems like a lot of work, but you will appreciate it when your main tank is healthy and thriving and you don't bring something in that will kill all your new fish and your old ones too. Also works as a hospital tank for any main fish tank fish that is sickly, breeding, isolation if you happen to get babies, etc.