How to Set Up a Quarantine Tank

The thought of quarantining your sick fish may seem a bother, but in the long run, it could help ensure the well-being of the other fish in your aquarium and save you from many heartaches.

The procedure of setting up a quarantine tank is, in fact, very easy!

1. A 10-gallon tank should be good enough for one or two fish.
2. Place the quarantine tank on a flat sturdy surface that is able to bear the weight of the filled-up tank.
3. To avoid stressing your fish, draw water from the main aquarium for use in the quarantine tank. If your main tank is very big, this shouldn’t be a problem. If it is small, adding a little of the water also helps.
4. Leave the tank relatively bare to make cleaning easier. However, your fish may be reassured by the presence of some plastic plants, or objects that provide hiding places. Ensure that the items are clean and safe. Creating a dark tank bottom also provides reassurance. Since it’s best not to add any substrate, you could place the tank on top of a dark-colored mat or piece of cardboard instead.
5. Ideally, include an air pump and air stone in the tank. Aeration is especially important in a quarantine tank as it is often smaller in size than normal tanks. Certain types of medication may absorb oxygen from the water.
6. When your quarantine tank is filled up, attach the air stone to the air pump with plastic tubing. Weigh down the air stone so it remains at the bottom of the tank.
7. If you decide to use a small filter in the tank, avoid using activated carbon in it if you are treating sick fish.
8. For fish, being moved into a new tank can be a stressful experience in itself. A sick fish is already in a delicate condition, so exercise extra care when transferring it.
9. Use a clean plastic bag instead of a net to catch the afflicted fish to avoid injury it.
10. If the water in the quarantine tank comes entirely from the main aquarium, you may release the fish into the tank immediately. If not, allow the fish to acclimatize to its new environment. To do this, tie up the bag but leave a big air pocket in it. Float the bag in the new tank for about 15 minutes. Over the next few minutes add a little water from the new tank into the bag. When this process is completed, gently release the fish into the tank.
11. Cover the tank to prevent your fish from jumping out!

Mermaid Highly Recommends: