squirrilah fish
Aquarium Advice Addict
- Joined
- Dec 1, 2012
- Messages
- 1,398
River,
Most people (myself included) can't look at a fish for weeks before purchase because a good looking fish will be gone before the two weeks is out. It is also difficult to avoid box stores in many states especially Texas where the roads are straight and the box stores rule supreme because they already put the little guys out of business which means you will eventually buy from a box store.
When the time comes to stock my tank I will make the 100 mile ride to Houston where there are some very large pet stores, many specializing in fish. But once again, 100 miles one way is a serious drive, and when I see a specimen I like there will not be time for procrastination, once again, big city, good stock moves fast.
My point is that the options you mention are not feasible for everybody. I just picked up a 10 with hood at WallyWorld for $30 and I've started to look for a decent little filter (already have extra heater)
Don't want to quarantine but................
However, I will not empty it and re-cycle it after every use, perhaps there are some additives which are good for a quarantine tank that will help with this issue
Petco will do their $1 per gallon sale often too. 10g tank $10, heater $15, sponge filter $5 air pump and tubing $10.
$40.00- treating a 55 gallon tank for parasites - I've spent easily over $40.
But like I said illness isn't the only benefit to having an extra tank. Fishes behavior isn't something you can predict. I've had Mbuna that were calm as could be, and I've had aulonocara that were mean as snot.
I think the point we are all trying to make is in the long run, if you consider cost of medications, cost of replacing fish, etc. a QT tank is worth it.
You could get perfect stock every time, no behavioral issues, no disease. It is possible, but highly unlikely.