Quarantine Tank Question

[leafyseadragon]

I just finished reading the article on quarantine, but there's one part which I'm looking for a little clarification on:

"Okay, we quarantined the fish and it's time to put it in the main tank. I do another acclimation to the display tank as described above, and put the fish in a clear plastic container in the main tank. This allows the ?old? fish to work out their aggression for their new tank mate without actually being able to harm him. I leave the new fish in the container for 2 days to a week depending on how the other fish react."

What kind of plastic container are we talking about, and how big is it? Is a gallon zip-lock bag too small? It seems to me that putting the fish in a tiny container in a big tank would stress it out if you leave him in there for a week.

 

[reefrunner69]

What kind of plastic container are we talking about, and how big is it?

I used the small or med sized Lee's Critter Keepers. The small is about 4 X 3 X 4 and the med is about 8 X 6 X 8.

It seems to me that putting the fish in a tiny container in a big tank would stress it out if you leave him in there for a week.

Not as much as getting harrassed and beaten by a beligerant established fish

 

[reefrunner69]

Oh...the critter keepers are hard plastic, the tops are slotted and I drill holes in the sided for good waterflow. A zip lock bag would not work.

 

[jamal-188]

I use one of those plastic spagetti strainers that you can get at the dollar store. Pretty decent size and has holes drilled in it already.

 

[leafyseadragon]

Great idea jamal, thanks for the tip!

Just two follow-up questions:

1. Those plastic spaghetti strainers are the dome-shaped ones, right?
2. (Possibly stupid one) It seems to me they wouldn't float being porous and all. Do you attach it to the side of the tank somehow?