QT tank

Discussion in 'New To The Hobby' started by schackmel, Jun 10, 2008.

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  1. schackmel

    schackmel Giant Squid

    Joined:
    Jun 4, 2008
    Messages:
    3,153
    Location:
    St. Louis
    I guess I am not technically a newbie...but it is probably a weird question. I am moving up to a 125 gallon tank from a 75 and a 55 gallon tank and have a question about qt tanks that I have been embarresed to ask. But after the problems I have had only with 1 tank I thought I better ask. I know qt tanks is to limit the exposure of disease to your display tank...that I get.

    The part I dont get is this...EVERY fish has ick on them, period. Every tank has ick in it. Different events will cause fish to develop ick, decrease immune system, poor water quality, certain types of fish are more prone (hippo tangs, purple tangs etc), and STRESS. So, we bring a fish home (which is stressful) and place it in a qt tank with minimal rock, no other fish to pick on it and allow it to stay there for 6 weeks (which I know is the typical cycle of ick). Let them settle in, get comfortable, and MOVE THEM again. When you move them, they are now going into a tank full of different fish, inverts, rocks, pumps etc. Very stressful. What is going to stop them from developing Ick then. That is the part I dont get about QT tanks. That is why I have never set up a QT tank (plus honestly the trouble and space). Again, might be a dumb question, but I was wondering if somebody can explain it to me.

    Now, I do know if you have a fish that does develop ick while it is in QT then you are lucky, you can go ahead and treat it, where you are really limited (really no tx) in treatment in display (Even at hypo 1.014 fish can STILL GET ICK....trust me I know!) Has to be at least 1.012 or lower I found out, even down to 1.009 and if it is reef there is no way you can do that low.

    Thanks
     
    schackmel, Jun 10, 2008
    schackmel, Jun 10, 2008
    #1

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  2. feixjai

    feixjai Fire Worm

    Joined:
    Apr 18, 2008
    Messages:
    163
    There is no such thing as a dumb question. QT tanks are for treating new fish and fish that you probably have already that become sick. I'm not exactly sure on this, but I think QT tanks help the fish in case they don't make it. During the time the fish is in the QT you can see how the fish progresses and if its accepting food and such, but then if the new fish is added to the DT, it could just hide behind rocks and never come out. Just my thoughts, but I'm still a newbie, so if someone else can chime in this too
     
    feixjai, Jun 10, 2008
    feixjai, Jun 10, 2008
    #2