How Long Is Quarantine?

[Bruce Leyland-Jones]

In my head, I have a fortnight, but I'm curious as to where current thinking lies? I used to quarantine fish for a month/4 weeks.

(Assume that I have a completely established, planted, quarantine tank).

Nearly all fish are initially stressed by their journey, from shop to home. I'd suspect any colour loss would return and beating hearts settled after 24-48 hours.
Many sources here in the UK apparently apply worm treatments to fish imported. Assuming this hasn't occurred, a worm treatment can be for 7 days, before repeating. Quarantine for signs of worm: 7 days.

I'll guess that any signs for external parasites will show within 7 days.

Signs of bacterial infections? 7 days?

To be completely safe, knowing that there could always be some hidden bacterial or viral infection just lurking, how does a fortnight sound?
I know a swift Google search suggests 2-4 weeks).

I have discovered some aquarists that quarantine their fish for literally months at a time, though these usually involve the protection of specialist and 'valuable' fish in the main tank.

 

[Deleted member 149562]

If from a trusted supplier, I do not quarantine (so far not had any issues with that)

Livestock from new suppliers, always 4 weeks minimum

 

[Obsessed with fish]

I always get my fish and fish stuff from the same shop and supplier, and there fish are very healthy. I have never seen 1 sing of sick or unhealthy fish in there. So i dont rly need to.

 

[xxBarneyxx]

Depends on the fish and the likeness of issues. I would say 2 weeks will generally be enough to get a good idea for most freshwater fish. If anything seems off in that time extend it by a week and see how it goes.

If I was introducing a fragile species into a tank with other fragile species then I might go for 3-4 weeks just to be 100% sure. generally though I think 2 weeks is enough time to be able to see if there are potential issues.

 

[Colin_T]

minimum is 2 weeks but preferably 4 weeks to make sure.

all fish should be dewormed in quarantine. treat them once a week for 3-4 weeks and they should be clean after that.