Intro
Before adding new fish to an established tank, the best thing you can do to keep your old fish healthy and make sure there is nothing wrong with your new fish is to quarantine the newbies. Having a quarantine tank put away somewhere also helps if your fish get sick, or if you have babies to raise.
How long do I quarantine?
The minimum time you should quarantine is 2 weeks, with 3 or more being better. If your fish seem to be healthy at the end of this period, then go ahead and put them in their new home. When quarantining, make sure you never mix any water or items used in the quarantine tank with your established aquariums, as this defeats the whole purpose. If you only have one set of nets/turkeybasters/etc. then dip them in a bleach solution after every use.
Do I need a special set-up for quarantine?
Your quarantine tank doesn't have to be anything big or expensive, since the fish won't be living there longer than a few weeks to a month, and a simple set up makes it easier to monitor the fish anyway. A 5 or 10g tank with a filter and a heater is all you really need (unless you're working with bigger fish!) Most people prefer to the bare tank/no substrate method for quarantine. Not only is it quick and easy, but you can also see the fish without having to search for them. Make sure to also cover the tank if you have any jumpers.
What's the point of all this?
While the new fish are in their quarantine tank, make sure you watch them for a little bit every day, and look for signs of common illnesses. If it turns out that the fish are sick, then you should treat them while in quarantine. Make sure to take the carbon out of your filter if applicable. This is when you'll need to keep them in quarantine longer than 2-4 weeks. Keep them in during the entire treatment time, and then a few weeks longer to watch them and make sure your treatment worked and the disease is eradicated
How do I know if my fish is sick?
That depends on the fish and the disease, but here are some common signs:
- white bumps that look like salt was sprinkled all over your fish
- bloated tummy
- sunken tummy
- clamped fins
- lethargic
- not eating
- severely ripped fins or cuts
- washed out color
- not pooping
Is that all?
These signs are by no means all inclusive, just the most commonly noticeable symptoms of a sick fishy. Now that you see how simple quarantine is, it should seem like a stupid idea to put the health of your fish at risk by putting new arrivals in your tank right away.
