Quarantine tank - to medicate or not to medicate that is...

[sighthoundlover]

I have my first quarantine tank and have a Royal gramma in it. It's now been 2 weeks and he's doing fine. I started out with copper in the tank and with the water changes it has dwindled down to practically nothing. I was wondering what the going belief on medicating new arrivals is? It is a better idea to start out with copper in your tank and keep it at low levels (0.25) for 4 weeks - or is it better not to put any medication in unless the fish develops signs and symptoms? :?: Would appreciate opinions.

 

[Anonymous]

You're coppering prophylactically? Most folks who aren't having a large turnover in fish don't do that, and even then it's debatable about using copper in this way. I never have, and probably wouldn't start. I would use hyposalinity prophylactically, though.

 

[Kevin1000]

I agree with seamaiden - I would not use copper unless fish demonstrated specific problem where copper was the only fix. Copper may harm imune system and result in more problems than benefit.

 

[sighthoundlover]

Thank you both for responding. Sounds like this wasn't a good idea. I think I read about it in the book by Robert Fenner. He also proposes fresh water dips prior to quarantine. I've heard lots of people say that fresh water dips can kill the fish so I've been frightened to do it. Any advice?

 

[Anonymous]

I've responded to you in your other thread.

 

[Anonymous]

I have my first quarantine tank and have a Royal gramma in it. It's now been 2 weeks and he's doing fine. I started out with copper in the tank and with the water changes it has dwindled down to practically nothing. I was wondering what the going belief on medicating new arrivals is? It is a better idea to start out with copper in your tank and keep it at low levels (0.25) for 4 weeks - or is it better not to put any medication in unless the fish develops signs and symptoms? :?: Would appreciate opinions.

.25 ppm is a fairly high level of CU

all that is needed is a level of .14 to .18 ppm, to effectively eradicate cryptocaryon

4 weeks is hardly 'long term', and i seriously doubt that such a short exposure to the 'proper' levels have any lasting effect of fish

if all incoming fish are proactively treated prophylactically w/Cu, at a level of .14-.18 ppm for 4-6 weeks, you will most likely NEVER have an issue w/cryptocaryon

FW dips will NOT eradicate cryptocaryon, and the resulting stress may actually help trigger an outbreak, imo