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quarantine for new corals
Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2025 12:18 am
by finnleyes
Just picked up some new Zoanthids and a Duncanopsammia. How long do you guys quarantine new corals before adding them to the display tank? My tank's been stable for months, params are 8.1 pH, 1.025 salinity, 0 nitrates. Running a Red Sea Reefer 350 with T5/LED hybrid lighting.
Re: quarantine for new corals
Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2025 12:29 am
by olivet
I usually go for at least 30 days in a separate QT tank. Gotta watch for pests like flatworms or nudis. Last time I skipped QT, my whole tank got infested. Not worth the risk, dude.
Re: quarantine for new corals
Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2025 1:19 am
by kindle
30 days is solid, but I'd add a coral dip like Revive or CoralRx before QT. Also, keep the QT params identical to your display—lighting, flow, and all. Stressed corals are more prone to issues.
Re: quarantine for new corals
Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2025 3:09 am
by janesa
olivet wrote: ↑Wed Jul 30, 2025 12:29 am
I usually go for at least 30 days in a separate QT tank. Gotta watch for pests like flatworms or nudis. Last time I skipped QT, my whole tank got infested. Not worth the risk, dude.
Yep, learned that the hard way too. Now I QT everything, even frags from trusted buddies. Better safe than sorry.
Re: quarantine for new corals
Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2025 3:22 am
by Aurorax
I do 45 days minimum. Some pests take weeks to show up. Also, dose the QT tank with amino acids—helps them recover from shipping stress. What's your QT setup like, finnleyes?
Re: quarantine for new corals
Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2025 4:54 am
by finnleyes
Thanks for the advice, everyone. My QT is a 10-gallon with a basic HOB filter and a Kessil A80. I'll grab some CoralRx and extend the QT period.
Re: quarantine for new corals
Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2025 6:37 am
by Yield
Good call on the dip. I've seen Acros melt from hidden infections. Also, keep an eye on your alk during QT—new corals can throw it off if they're not acclimated right.
Re: quarantine for new corals
Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2025 7:33 am
by snowmixer
I'm new to this. Why can't you just dip and add them right away? Seems like a long time to wait.
Re: quarantine for new corals
Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2025 8:22 am
by jazzfox
snowmixer wrote: ↑Wed Jul 30, 2025 7:33 am
I'm new to this. Why can't you just dip and add them right away? Seems like a long time to wait.
Dips kill some pests, but not all. Eggs can hatch later, and some bugs hide deep in the coral's tissue. QT gives you time to spot and treat 'em.
Re: quarantine for new corals
Posted: Wed Jul 30, 2025 10:10 am
by SilverAce
I use a bare-bottom QT tank for easy cleaning. No sand or rock—just a pvc pipe for the coral to attach to. Makes it easier to spot pests.