Is QT necessary if you only have a FOWLR tank?

[GrandPa_J]

Silly question but was posed to me by fellow aquarist. My answer to him was definitely but did peak my interest on others thoughts, so here it goes.

Is a QT necessary if you have a FOWLR tank? Since there are no inverts and no Corals of any kind in a tank and you happen to get ICH or any other disese's known to fish why can't you just treat the DT as you would in a QT?

Just curious on everyones thoughts.

[danil]

There are much more in FOWLR tank then fish you can see. There millions billions small organisms located on live rocks, sand and in water column. Any knowing treatment for ICH will KILL them all and release toxins in the water most likely killing everything alive. QT tank shouldn't have any live rock (for the same reason) and be isolated from DT. Another reason - some medication (copper based) could permanently contaminate your tank.

[dzfish17]

I had to treat my 600g FOWLR with cupramine last year. I added a passer angel from a fellow reefer and got ich in my tank. I lost a few nice fish and have learned my lesson... nothing goes in without going through QT. I cant take a chance with a large tank and some fairly expensive fish.

[dzfish17]

There are much more in FOWLR tank then fish you can see. There millions billions small organisms located on live rocks, sand and in water column. Any knowing treatment for ICH will KILL them all and release toxins in the water most likely killing everything alive. QT tank shouldn't have any live rock (for the same reason) and be isolated from DT. Another reason - some medication (copper based) could permanently contaminate your tank.

Cupramine does not kill bacteria and can be removed by using cuprasorb, carbon, and water changes.

[GrandPa_J]

Great replies, I can pass on a better response now when asked. Thank you.