QT advice

[krs1102]

Hi everyone-

I have found myself in a bit of a situation. I always QT my purchases. But, other than observing for 4-6 weeks, I don't treat unless I see something to treat.

Normally, I get one fish at a time as well (small QT). This time I have three fish going through QT. 2 Banggai Cardinals and a Coral Beauty Angel. There are tubes for each fish and I have observed no aggression at all.

The fish have been in QT for three weeks. Initially, the CB ate like a pig. Then the Banggai's started eating. Then we noticed that they were not eating well and we suspected flukes (slightly labored breathing, no noticeable ich spots). We treated with Prazipro twice and the Banggais have looked good and are both eating well. The CB seems fine, when we see him, but he hides a TON. He also has not eaten anything in front of either me or my wife for 2+ weeks. We had put some masstick in the tank, so it is definitely possible he ate that (it disappeared pretty quickly) but the Banggai's also could have eaten it.

So, I guess I'm wondering where to go from here. They are going to stay in QT for at least another month to watch them after stopping the Prazipro, but do you have any ideas? What if the CB remains alive and like this for the next four weeks? Do we assume he is ok and move them to the display? Do we assume that he isn't ok?

(and yes- lesson learned... QT fewer fish at a time).

Thanks

[Uncle99]

I move only when they are eating aggressively, normal behavior, free and clear of any blemishes, no spots for 21 days, no rub, no scratch, no swimming continuously into a fast flow....

If they come into QT healthy, no sustained agression, and have all the above.....for me..... 7-10 days.

You have one that fails to eat. That is problematic if not known to eat in 2 weeks.
He gets another 15 at least, maybe hide when feeding, see if he's just shy!

[mann1139]

Is there any possibility of separating the fish in the QT with a divider or fish bagger?

The last time I had a CB, that was the bully.

You could move the Cardinals, but if the CB is carrying anything, they could be carrying it too.