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Guppy quarantine duration?
Posted: Fri May 02, 2025 9:52 pm
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?
Re: Guppy quarantine duration?
Posted: Fri May 02, 2025 10:43 pm
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.
Re: Guppy quarantine duration?
Posted: Sat May 03, 2025 12:31 am
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.
Re: Guppy quarantine duration?
Posted: Sat May 03, 2025 12:36 am
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.
Re: Guppy quarantine duration?
Posted: Sat May 03, 2025 1:45 am
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.
Re: Guppy quarantine duration?
Posted: Sat May 03, 2025 2:29 am
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.
Re: Guppy quarantine duration?
Posted: Sat May 03, 2025 4:07 am
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.
Re: Guppy quarantine duration?
Posted: Sat May 03, 2025 5:38 am
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.
Re: Guppy quarantine duration?
Posted: Sat May 03, 2025 6:11 am
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.
Re: Guppy quarantine duration?
Posted: Sat May 03, 2025 6:45 am
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.