Quarantine tanks for corals

[tonkadawg]

One of the things that occassionaly pop in to my head is the benefit of a QT system for corals. I can definitely see the importance and benefits for fish, but how about corals? Does the added stress from transportation and moving from a QT to a show tank outweigh the potential for RTN/STN?

The one scenerio that I wrestle with is, ok I have my QT system, and I QT my new pieces - for x time period. Everything looks good, so I move said piece to it's final destination only to discover after the move, the coral dies - potentially affecting other corals that were healthy before the introduction of the new piece.

What are everyones thoughts on this subject?

[majesticangelfish]

How about just using a "Coral Dip" (Seachem) type additive, and treating all new corals in a bucket/tank, wouldn’t that kill the "bugs" the coral may have, and eliminate the long-term QT "need"?

I spent some time at a coral importer in ATL, he did just that.

[tonkadawg]

What about intecptor treatments? I was under the impression that this was best way to kill the bugs. But would it be a good practice for new corals?

Jeff experienced great results by using inteceptor.

Then there is also lugols or iodine dips. What about these?

[tonkadawg]

alright, so nobody really has any thoughts on a QT set up...

What do you do to acclimate/introduce new corals to your tank?

[Aged Salt]

Not a stimulating topic, huh, Matt? but a good suggestion with all the micro-critters that are occuring on our corals. I have never dipped or QT my new corals. I may not even acclimate them at times if I'm on the run....never noticed any differences either way. Bob

[tonkadawg]

LOL - I guess not Bob... I thought it was a pretty good topic, but the response says otherwise.

In the past, all I really have done is float the new piece for about 15 minutes then add about 4oz every 5 minutes for the next 45 minutes.

[Aged Salt]

Yeah, Matt it is an excellent topic--one in which no one has the proper, ultimate answer After Christmas, I'll have a mesoscope checking my corals for these parasites,etc. & I'm almost afraid to use it Not sure what I'll find I'm still not convinced at this point that dips are helpful for our new arrivals after all their stress??? Bob

[tonkadawg]

well like almost everything else in this hobby, I know there is no ultimate definitive answer. I was hoping that others would chime in with their experience and thoughts on the subject.

At this point, I am with you though, that subjecting them to more stress after stress from transportation is probably not a good practice.

[Funkyskunk]

Hay, Matt

I am in the process of setting up some quarantine tanks, for my new system that will be in place next year; I have used a series of ten tanks the last one being plumbed directly to the show tank water supply for easy observation.

I think generally it would be could practice to be able to closely monitor the coral, bugs, parasites, hitchhikers etc...

I also use a coral dip from Kent, I have always had great success with this product, and no bugs or funnies yet......touch wood


Anyway just my 2 cents worth :icon_mrgr

[mane3215]

When I plumb my new system, I plan on plumbing a 10g tank in line. When I get a new coral I plan on diverting some flow to the tank to fill it up, have a light and heater in there and acclimate the coral and put it in there.

After week or so once its settles down I will add treatment to the water such as seachem and interceptor let it sit for the recomended time and take her out and put it in the show tank. Then I will just drain the 10g tank down the drain and rinse with fresh water. What do you guys think?

[tonkadawg]

Mane, I have been thinking about something similar. Would you add any sort of filteration - carbon maybe? What sort of lighting would you use?

[mane3215]

Mane, I have been thinking about something similar. Would you add any sort of filteration - carbon maybe? What sort of lighting would you use?

I didnt plan on adding a filter, but that might be a thought. Since it would only be in qt for a week or so I dont think there would be a reason for it.

As for lighting I was thinking of a 150w clip on mh, or possibly a small bank of t5's. t5's maybe a better choice so it doesnt get blasted when it gets put in. What do ya think?

[tonkadawg]

I am still debating if benefits of something like this outweigh drawbacks.

I would say maybe an hob with some carbon would help. The t-5s would probably be a better choice, I would think the MH would cook the tank.

[Detritivore]

i think a separate QT system would be a good thing to do...especially with all the buggers running around recently. red bugs are bad, but the acro FW's(not the red planaria) are even worse cause as of today, there still is no sure-fire cure for them.

[mane3215]

i think a separate QT system would be a good thing to do...especially with all the buggers running around recently. red bugs are bad, but the acro FW's(not the red planaria) are even worse cause as of today, there still is no sure-fire cure for them.

So is there a dip to take care of them as hitchikers on sps?