Introduction

If you have a saltwater aquarium or even a freshwater aquarium, you will need to establish a quarantine tank. Here are some of the differences between your display tank and a quarantine tank.

Why A Quarantine Tank

There are several reasons why you will need to establish a quarantine tank for your freshwater or saltwater aquarium:

• New Fish – You will want to put the new fish you bring home in a quarantine tank to ensure it is not sick and possibly spread disease to your already established fish. Plus if you have the tank next to your display tank it will introduce your new fish to the established fish. The Pros recommend that you keep our new fish here for at least three weeks.

• Hospital Tank – At times you may develop sick fish that will need to be isolated to be treated and prevent the spread of disease to other fish. Plus you will be able to treat your fish without having to treat the fish that are not sick. It can also be a place for injured fish to recover.

• Aggressive Fish – This tank is also a good place to put fish that are aggressive till you decide what to do with them.

Equipment Needed For A Quarantine Tank

The equipment needed for such a tank is basically the same that you need for a display tank. You will need decorations, a heater, filter, net, hydrometer, thermometer, etc. But what is different is the following:

• Tank Size – Of course if you have a large aquarium your quarantine tank will be smaller, from 10 to 29 gallons. If you have large fish you will need a larger tank. Select a size that is appropriate for you.

• Substrate – Substrate that you put in your tank will absorb medicines so the dose of medicine may need to be larger. For example, crushed coral or aragonite will absorb medications. Look for substrate that will not absorb the medicines you will use.

• Temperature – The temperature should be higher than your display tank. Higher temperatures will improve the recovery time of your fish.

The water quality should be the same as you have in your display tank to prevent shocking your sick or injured fish. Plus the new fish you bring home will become acclimated to the environment in the display tank.

Conclusion

Your quarantine tank is just like your display tank except it is smaller, with little or no substrate and should be maintained at a higher temperature.