How to Set Up a Quarantine Tank
Quarantine prevents disease outbreaks.
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Why quarantine
New fish often carry ich or other diseases that explode once they're stressed. A 2–4 week quarantine protects your established tank — it's the single best disease-prevention habit.
Keep it simple
A bare 10–20 gallon tank with a sponge filter, a heater, and a hiding spot is all you need. Seed the sponge filter in your main tank first so it's cycled.
Observe and treat
Watch new arrivals for spots, frayed fins, or odd behavior. Treating in quarantine is cheaper, easier, and safer than dosing your whole display tank.
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FAQ
How long should fish be in quarantine?
2–4 weeks. That's long enough for most diseases like ich to show up and be treated before the fish joins your main tank.