Quarantine - How long do you?

[Sundance]

I've quarantined freshwater fish for up to two weeks. What do ya'll do?

If a disease pops up, like Ich, how long do you continue the QT?

I'm on day six with some new Tetra's and am itching to place them in the display tank. Unfortunately they are itching too, with the tell-tale specs of Ich.

Most of my QT's end without disease, so I'm wondering, how long after we kick the ich should they stay isolated?

Thanks!

[dennysfishroom]

I usually go 1-2 weeks. Haven't had a problem, so that may be why I'm sort of casual about the time in QT. Denny

[etheonut]

Two weeks should be long enough to see any signs of Ich. If they are showing any signs of disease I would keep them in quarantine.

Kevin

[Sundance]

Yes, they have Ich. So when/if it's cured, how long until the survivors can be safely added to the community?

Thanks,

[etheonut]

ich = one week after treatment is finished, assuming about 80 degrees.

That is what I would do.

Kevin

[Sundance]

Cool, thanks.

They didn't make it anyway, so problem solved. I think I OD'd on the QuickCure.

[GrakFu]

I would say more information is helpful. Depends on the disease and where you got the fish. My suggestion would be to start a new thread with your concerns. I do believe Mike would be our "resident fish vet" and can help you decide what the best quarantine period would be.

[mewickham]

Ideal quarantine period is two weeks. What I usually do, though, is put new fish in a quarantine tank and hit them with ich medicine for four days. If there are no signs of ich by then-- and no sign of other illness-- then they go to the main tank. If disease shows up, they stay in quarantine and receive the appropriate treatment.