How to set up a quarantine tank
A quarantine tank is a small, bare tank where new fish spend at least 30 days, the minimum the Merck Veterinary Manual gives, before joining your display tank, and where a sick fish can be watched and treated alone. It is the cheapest protection against ich and other diseases that arrive with new fish.
The steps
- Keep a sponge filter running in your main tank all the time, so it is full of filter bacteria when you need it.
- Set up a bare 10 gallon tank (easy to clean, easy to see the fish) with the seeded sponge, a heater, a lid and a pipe or plant to hide in.
- Fill it with dechlorinated water at the main tank's temperature, then add the new fish.
- Watch for at least 30 days: white spots, frayed fins, not eating. Test ammonia and nitrite every day or two and change water when they rise.
- Net the fish into the main tank; never pour quarantine water into it.
10 gallon
20¼ × 10½ × 12 9/16 in outsideWhat you need
Equipment already in our catalog that suits a 10 gallon quarantine tank. Check each model's fit page before buying.
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Aquarium Co-Op Easy Flow Sponge Filter, Small
A sponge filter is gentle, cheap and easy to keep seeded: leave it running in your main tank so it carries bacteria when you need it.
Aquarium Co-Op Battery Backup Air Pump, Single Outlet
Drives the sponge filter and keeps air moving during a power cut.
Aqueon Pro 50
Holds a steady temperature in a 10 gallon; stress from cold invites disease.
API Freshwater Master Test Kit
Quarantine water goes bad fast in a small tank; test ammonia and nitrite every day or two.
Seachem Prime 100 mL
Dechlorinates the frequent water changes.
Plus a 10 gallon tank and lid: 10 gallon dimensions and matched lid.