Our 30-Day Quarantine Process

QT Reef is a HumbleFish-approved quarantine vendor in Northeast Ohio. Every fish runs a 30+ day protocol — Copper Power, formalin, and praziquantel — then observation in a med-free system. We ship each fish only when they are healthy and ready.

See the system

Quarantine Protocol

Phase 1 – Acclimation: Upon arrival, each fish is carefully examined and their condition is noted. Next, we slowly acclimate the new arrivals to match the salinity, pH, and temperature of our quarantine system. After some well deserved rest, the fish are ready to move on to the next step of the quarantine protocol.

Phase 2 – Treatment: The majority of fish are treated for a period of 14-days with chelated copper sulfate (Copper Power) at therapeutic levels, along with 10 to 14 days of formalin, and two treatments of Praziquantel. This targets ich, velvet, brooklynella, uronema, and flukes.

Phase 3 – Observation: After 14-days of treatment the fish are moved to a copper and formalin free system. This system has increased lighting, more habitat, and high water quality. The fish are fed heavily and become more accustomed to living in a home aquarium. If necessary, medicated food is provided for intestinal worms or parasites. During this time the fish are carefully observed for any negative signs, behavior, and feeding response. (These fish may be on our shop page as arriving soon) Towards the end of observation a group of fish are selected for skin scrapes and analyzed microscopically. After 14-days of observation the fish that are vibrant, eating well, and behaving naturally move on to the final step.

Phase 4 – Ready stage: After being in our care for 30-days or more, the fish are moved to the third and final system. This system allows for an additional layer of biosecurity and is only reserved for fish that passed phase 3 and are ready to go to their new home.

Fish after QT

Arrive and Stay Alive Guarantee Shipping Shop quarantined fish