AQ Quarantine protocol explanation?

[memorywrangler]

I've the article about quarantine: https://www.aquariumcoop.com/blogs/aquarium/quarantine-tank

And I'm curious about the reasoning behind some of the steps:

1. Why does it suggest not following the package direction for the medication trio?
2. Why not feed the fish for a week?
3. four-six weeks is so long!  What's the risk doing just a week or two?

Thanks!

[Widgets]

On 4/1/2022 at 6:49 PM, memorywrangler said:

Why does it suggest not following the package direction for the medication trio?

The article states that if you observe a sign of disease, treat that disease as directed. In the absence of known disease, using the trio quarantine dosage is giving the fish (and pathogens) time to soak in a base level of the meds. There are some that will only medicate if they see signs of disease. There are some that don't even quarantine. It is all about the risk you are willing to take with your tank.

On 4/1/2022 at 6:49 PM, memorywrangler said:

Why not feed the fish for a week?

The Maracyn can have a negative impact on the beneficial bacteria, depending upon the strength of your colony. Not feeding the fish should be fine for healthy fish, and will reduce the waste generated, reducing the workload for the bacteria. If you feel that the fish are suffering and need to be fed, it shouldn't hurt anything. Either way you should closely monitor the water parameters and treat with water conditioner if Ammonia or Nitrite show up.

On 4/1/2022 at 6:49 PM, memorywrangler said:

four-six weeks is so long!  What's the risk doing just a week or two?

The whole quarantine process to reduce the chance of introducing a pathogen to your tank. The long quarantine is to let any pathogens go through their life cycle. Some have eggs and/or larval forms that are relatively benign, but the adult firm will harm fish. You want to catch these in quarantine.  Part of the quarantine process is the observation to catch anything that might looks wrong. It is all about the risk you are willing to take with your tank.