Cichlid
Why quarantine?
New fish can carry ich, parasites or bacterial infections that do not show at the store. A few weeks in a separate tank lets problems surface where they can be treated without risking your established fish.
- Set up a spare tank. A 10 to 20 gallon tank with a heater, a sponge filter and a few hiding spots is enough. Keep the sponge seeded in your main tank so it is already cycled.
- Acclimate gently. Float the bag to match temperature, then slowly add tank water over 20 to 30 minutes before netting the fish in.
- Watch for 2 to 4 weeks. Look for white spots, clamped fins, heavy breathing, weight loss or odd feces.
- Keep tools separate. Use a separate net and siphon, or disinfect them, so nothing spreads.
- Move fish when they look healthy. After a clean quarantine period with good eating and normal behavior, move them into the main tank.
Keep a seeded sponge ready: run a spare sponge filter in your main tank at all times. When you need a quarantine tank, the bacteria are already there.
A quarantine tank does double duty
The same tank works as a hospital tank, a place for a beaten up fish to recover, or a grow out tank for fry.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I quarantine new cichlids?
Most keepers quarantine for 2 to 4 weeks. Longer is safer for wild caught fish.
Does the quarantine tank need to be cycled?
Ideally yes. The easiest way is to use a sponge filter that has been running in your main tank.
Should I medicate fish in quarantine automatically?
Many keepers only treat when they see a problem. Others use preventive treatments. If you do, follow the label exactly.
What you will need
- 10 or 20 gallon tankSimple, cheap quarantine tank.Check price on Amazon
- Sponge filter and air pumpGentle and easy to seed.Check price on Amazon
- Small adjustable heaterKeeps quarantine stable.Check price on Amazon
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