Guppy quarantine duration?

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zenflux
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 2:18 am

Guppy quarantine duration?

Post by zenflux »

Just picked up some new Guppies from the store, gonna quarantine them but not sure how long. Heard mixed things, some say a week, others say a month. What's the deal?
ripple_under
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Joined: Thu Jan 06, 2022 3:36 am

Re: Guppy quarantine duration?

Post by ripple_under »

Quarantine duration depends on a few factors. If the Guppies are from a trusted source, two weeks is usually sufficient. Watch for signs of illness like lethargy or fin rot. I've had success with a 14-day quarantine in a 10-gallon tank, no meds unless symptoms show.
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fluxx
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Joined: Wed Oct 09, 2024 11:27 pm

Re: Guppy quarantine duration?

Post by fluxx »

I've always done a month just to be safe. Better to wait than risk introducing something nasty to the main tank. Plus, gives you time to observe their behavior.
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codefly9
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Re: Guppy quarantine duration?

Post by codefly9 »

Yeah, a month's chill. I've seen Guppies look fine at first, then boom, white spots after a week. Sketchy stuff. Better to play it safe.
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dervin
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 2:16 am

Re: Guppy quarantine duration?

Post by dervin »

I agree with ripple_under. Two weeks is solid if they're from a good store. Just keep an eye on them, maybe feed some garlic guard to boost their immune system.
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mirko
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Re: Guppy quarantine duration?

Post by mirko »

ripple_under wrote: Fri May 02, 2025 10:43 pm Quarantine duration depends on a few factors. If the Guppies are from a trusted source, two weeks is usually sufficient. Watch for signs of illness like lethargy or fin rot. I've had success with a 14-day quarantine in a 10-gallon tank, no meds unless symptoms show.
That's a good point. I'd add that water quality in the quarantine tank matters too. Keep params stable, 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite, and low nitrate.
DaisyDew
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 5:47 pm

Re: Guppy quarantine duration?

Post by DaisyDew »

A month is overkill unless you're dealing with wild-caught Guppies. Most store-bought ones are already acclimated and healthy. Two weeks is plenty.
dawnix
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 9:38 pm

Re: Guppy quarantine duration?

Post by dawnix »

I've had bad luck with store Guppies, so I always quarantine for three weeks. Better safe than sorry, especially if you've got other fish in the main tank.
Aquagen
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Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 8:50 pm

Re: Guppy quarantine duration?

Post by Aquagen »

It's all about risk tolerance. If you're paranoid like me, go for a month. If you're more relaxed, two weeks is fine. Just make sure the quarantine tank has a filter and heater.
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burblefox
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Joined: Wed Oct 09, 2024 10:39 pm

Re: Guppy quarantine duration?

Post by burblefox »

DaisyDew wrote: Sat May 03, 2025 4:07 am A month is overkill unless you're dealing with wild-caught Guppies. Most store-bought ones are already acclimated and healthy. Two weeks is plenty.
I disagree. Even store-bought Guppies can carry parasites or bacteria. A month gives you time to catch anything that might pop up late.
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