Will I need a quarantine tank?

[DogFish]

Still getting my 20 gal setup. Do I have to go get another tank, to use as a quarantine tank as I get new fish for the 20 gal. Does the quarantine tank need light, heat etc (heat obviously) and to be cycled?

 

[Bol]

A quarantine tank will need heat and lights, in my opinion. Depending on the tank's location, some people may disagree about the lights.

Some people disagree on whether it needs to be cycled or not. Personally, I think it should. If it's not cycled, you'd most likely have to do a 25% (or so) water change every day, which personally I think would add unnecessary stress to the fish.

However, if you're doing a fishless cycle (or using BioSpira), then you should add your entire fish load at one time, sort of rendering a quarantine tank useless -- initially, that is. For later additions, it certainly is a good idea.

 

[Angry_Platy]

I keep the filter for my quarantine tank cycling on my 30gall tank when its not in use....then when you need it (for sick fish or pre tank addition purposes) all you need to do is transfer the filter over and Hey presto....cycled tank!!

You will need a heater as higher temps can be beneficial in treatment of certain illnesses...also...if you live on cooler climate (unlike me)....you will clearly need it anyway!!

Gravel is optional...I like gravel as I think it makes my sick fishies more comfortable....I also have plumbing pipes in the tank for hiding places for the fish (cheap and effective)....I don't have lights as I believe that fish are under less stress in low light conditions (handy for sick or transported new fish).

As to whether you need a quarantine tank...I believe you do....it saves new fish passing on any diseases onto existing healthy fish....I quarantine for 2-3 weeks....some people quarantine for longer. It is also handy if you need to treat illness with salt etc. as certain fish species may not be able to tolerate salt.

Hoping this helps

Angela

 

[DogFish]

Yikes this just adds to the costs doesn't it? If I am planning on having just one 20 gallon tank, is there any other way around having a quarantine tank.

Chooklet: I like your idea, a small filter hanging on the 20 gal, could I get away with a little 5 gal for the quarantine tank?

 

[Bol]

Well, a quarantine tank is not necessary ... but without it, you run the risk of disease (or death) striking all your fish, when you add just one new one. Not only is this Bad, but it can also end up costing you more than the cost of a quarantine setup (depending on what kinds of fish you have). Also, if a disease like ich does strike, and you're suddenly in "hospital tank" mode, you'll be treating 20 gallons of water, instead of a smaller volume, making your medicine costs higher.

Lastly, some diseases are best treated with the fish in isolation -- again, it's cheaper to medicate a smaller volume of water, and some times medicating all your fish is unnecessary, and causes unneeded stress. In this case, a quarantine tank often serves as a hospital tank, and its initial "startup cost" is somewhat offset by lowered "operating costs".

So, it's a question of risk vs. cost.

A five gallon might work, depending on the size of fish you expect to have in there (and how many at one time).

Personally, though, I'd look into a 10g setup. You could set up a 10g Q tank for about $40-50, and a 5g probably wouldn't be noticeably less expensive -- unless you go with a 5g "Minibow"-type self-contained unit, but those usually come with UGFs, so the "hang the extra filter in the big tank" idea won't work. Also, if it comes time for the Q tank to serve as a hospital tank, you'll find that most medicines are dosed for 10 gallons, which makes a 10 gallon tank a lot more convenient (although, granted, a bit more expensive in medication) -- many meds come in solid form, and you won't have to worry about halving a pill, or disc.