To QT or Not...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=J34uOB7m7F0#!

 

as far a QT as a precautionary measure... I don't do this really at all. Even for my most expensive and delicate specimens.

 

Here are some comments with quarantining fish:

- You have to maintain the quarantine tank to the same standards as your main. If you don't you stress the fish you're quarantining and can lose them. I've lost my fair share in quarantine tanks.

- Parasites can get into your tank in other ways. I've had two devastating velvet attacks in my reef-keeping career. One came in on a fish, the other on a piece of live rock.

- Once you get a parasite into your tank there is a good chance it will continue while fish inhabit the tank. It might not show, but that doesn't mean it's not there.

- Ich doesn't worry me much. Velvet is a killer.

- I don't currently quarantine. I have a massive UV sterilizer with a flow rate that allows it to kill velvet, but not ich.

 

After our discussion the other day you got me thinking about aquariums again, I've been away for almost a year now. For the ~16 years I've been into reef tanks QTing has been debated, as I mentioned I'm not against it but I never felt the need to go crazy over it. I've had many tanks and also had ich a few times over the years but always beat it, never lost a fish to it, some say it will eventually catch up to me or maybe it's just dumb luck. I believe the wrong QT setup does more harm than good and most average reefers don't spend the time and $$ on setting up bullet proof QTs. To me a smal tank, heater, power head and some PVC pipes isn't a great QT for large fish. QTing fish and not other livestock isn't really buying you much assurance. It's your choice, like anything else there is always risk. My advise is to remember why you got into this hobby, don't stress too much over things that might never happen, read alot and make educated choices. Go slow and enjoy the learning experience. If I had to setup a new tank I would do what has worked for me over the year, I wouldn't run a QT, but I would never advise anyone against them...just my 2 cents. Good luck with the new tank, give me a call if there is anything I can do to help.

 

QT's need not be expensive or complicated to be a success. People use the "I've never QT'd and my livestock has never suffered" logic as an excuse not to QT and that logic is completely flawed. I wear a motorcycle helmet when I ride, but why? I've never had an accident. I guess I will be glad if I ever do have an accident! Just because your tank has never had a serious outbreak does not mean you don't need a QT, it just means you've been lucky. Besides, what would stress out a fish more, shipping for 24 in complete darkeness then being thrust into an established tank with territories established and having to fight for food, or giving them their own temporary home to get eating without competition? I am not sold on the not QT arguments.

 

Understood, but the cheapo QT setups would depend on what you're trying to QT, this is why I wouldn't advise against it. However you can walk out your front door and get hit by a bus, should we all never leave our homes? I've had successful tanks that ran for years without issues, don't mean to brag but my tanks achieved levels that most would not achieve in this hobby, from full SPS to mixed reefs, all thrived and I don't QT. I don't buy the "must QT to be successful" approach, if you have a good setup, feed your fish well and educate yourself on what to look for when buying livestock you minimize the risk. Infact I know lots of reefers that QT with unsuccessful tanks so it's not black & white when it comes to this topic.

 

True, walking out of the house and getting hit by a bus is an unpleasant possibility, but that is beyond our control. We can only do what we can do.

I am getting back into the hobby after a few years away. The first go round I did not QT. This time I am, because all it takes is one time. One sick fish slipping in to nuke your entire livestock in a matter of days or weeks.

On the note of QT'ing and still being unsuccessful, I totally agree. You can QT all day long, but other things in the tank can go wrong. After all, what's the point of QT'ing if you don't keep your paramiters in check, etc.?

I don't think of QT as the end all be all, but it is a valuable part of a multi-pronged approached to over-all system health.

Getting hit by a bus walking down the street is beyond my control, but getting on a motorcycle with a helmet is in my control. Using my seatbelt in a car is in my control. Skipping that extra piece of pizza is in my control (though I am seldom successful).

Would you let a stranger into your house? Of course not, he could be a bad guy. But your best friend you would let into your house without hesitation.

Think of your best friend as a stranger that has had an extended QT period and you know it's safe to let him in... :yelrotflm:yelrotflm:yelrotflm

 

Hit by a bus control, stay in your house , I wouldn't. At least you have a sense of humor on the subject, some reefers get real touchy when it comes to QT. You and I both know this topic has been beaten to death numerous times and years from now the discussion will still be the same. IMO, you have to find that balance in the hobby where you educate yourself and enjoy it and not worry about every little thing. The way I see it is if we can't invest the time in learning to balance your parms, QTing should be the least of our concerns...because most likely we wouldn't be in the hobby long enough for it to be a concern

 

+1 Thanks for the discussion.

 

I think what Map was referring to would be larger specimens. Sure you can qt a baby tang or Angel in a bucket with no problems but an adult in a bucket? Yeah no, not a good idea. Though if you have a tank large enough to handle a full sized tang or Angel on arrival you probably have accumulated you're fair share of various sized tanks over the years. Got a 40 breeder , 55, and a 75 out in the garage as I type. Though I did slightly damage a corner of the 55 so not sure it'll hold water...