A quarantine tank is like a waiting room for your new fish. You keep them there for a week after you buy them. This is to check if they get sick before you move them to your main tank.
By doing this, you’ll avoid getting your other fish sick if the new ones are carrying any illnesses.
Now…
Why Should You Quarantine Fish?
Quarantining fish is important because moving them from one place to another can be really stressful for them.
Think about how you would feel if you were suddenly caught and put into a bag – it would be pretty distressing right? Fish feel the same way.
Having a separate tank to put your fish in after you first get them provides a place for them to de-stress and regain their strength before you put them in their new home.
This also gives you a chance to see if the fish have any hidden diseases or health issues before introducing them to their new tank.
How To Set Up A Quarantine Tank?
To set up a quarantine tank, first, you’ll need a tank of about 10 to 20 gallons, unless you’re planning on getting very large fish.
You also need a high-quality power filter and a submersible heater. You can make your new fish feel safe by putting in some fake plants that float.
You don’t want them to be scared by having to go into an empty tank.
Just like your main tank, your quarantine tank also needs to be cycled. You can start this biological cycle with a couple of starter fish.
When you go to buy starter fish for your main tank, get a few extra for your quarantine tank.
The water conditions in your quarantine tank, like the pH level and temperature, should be the same as in your main tank. This way, your fish won’t get stressed when you move them to the main tank.
Remember that it’s better to wait until your new fish have finished their quarantine cycle before you put them in your main tank.
This way, you can catch and treat any diseases before they can spread to the other fish.
Treating diseases can end up costing you more money than setting up a simple quarantine tank.
How Long Should You Quarantine Fish?
You should put your new fish (except for the first fish you put in a new tank) in a quarantine tank for between two to four weeks.
This doesn’t apply to the first fish in a new tank because they’re needed to start a process called the nitrogen cycle.
Each day, while the fish are in the quarantine tank, you should look at them to see if they show any signs of being sick and check that they’re eating as they should.
What Should You Do While Quarantining Fish?
It’s important to keep a record when you’re quarantining fish. You can do this by keeping a journal.
In this journal, you should write down each fish’s name, when you bought it, its size, its health history, and how long you’ve had it in quarantine.
You can also add any other details you think might be helpful if the fish gets sick in the future.
If you want to look professional, you can write “Scientific Journal” on the cover of your journal. This will impress your friends!
