How To Setup a Quarantine Tank

Setting up a quarantine tank is an important step in maintaining a healthy marine aquarium. Here are some general steps to follow when setting up a quarantine tank:

1. Choose the right container: You can use any aquarium that can hold water and support a few pieces of equipment. A 20-gallon or 29-gallon tank is ideal for most fish up to 4 inches long.
2. Clean and test the quarantine tank: Clean the tank thoroughly with warm water and vinegar, rinse it well, and let it dry completely. Fill the tank with saltwater and let it run for at least 24 hours to ensure that all equipment is working properly.
3. Add decorations: Add some decorations to the quarantine tank to provide hiding places for your fish. Use only decorations that you can disinfect or boil, such as a piece of driftwood or a clay pot.
4. Install your filter: Install a small hang-on-back filter or internal filter of some kind. These are simple and effective filters that won’t require a ton of maintenance, which is the goal for your quarantine tank.
5. Add your heater: Place your heater in the tank and set the temperature (if needed) to 78°F/25.5°C.
6. Check and adjust water parameters: Check and adjust temperature, salinity, and pH so as not to cause any additional shock stress on the animals.
7. Let the water clear up and oxygenate thoroughly: Before adding fish to a freshly set up quarantine tank, be sure to let the water clear up and oxygenate thoroughly.