Quarantine: Why and How

Why Quarantine?

New fish are the #1 vector for disease. Even healthy-looking fish can carry dormant parasites and bacteria. Quarantine gives you 2-4 weeks to observe and treat before they reach your display tank.

Setting Up

• 10-20 litre tank — bare bottom, easy to clean
• Sponge filter seeded from your main tank (2+ weeks running)
• Small heater (26-28°C)
• Dim lighting — reduces stress
• Hiding spot — terracotta pot or PVC pipe

The Process

Week 1: Observe Daily

Watch for: white spots, clamped fins, color changes, loss of appetite, rapid breathing, unusual swimming. 25% water change every other day.

Week 2: Optional Treatment

If healthy, you can: continue observing, do a prophylactic treatment with Seachem ParaGuard for 7 days, or transfer to display if confident.

Weeks 3-4 (Sensitive Fish)

For expensive or sensitive fish (discus, shrimp, wild-caught), extend to 4 weeks.

What If Fish Are Already Sick?

1. Identify the disease
2. Move sick fish to hospital tank
3. Treat with appropriate medication
4. 50% water change on display tank
5. Monitor remaining fish for 2 weeks

Pro Tip: A 10-litre quarantine tank takes up less space than a backpack. The 2 weeks it saves from treating a disease outbreak make it well worth it.