[bguile]

Hi Lee,

As you may know, I am setting up a new tank that has just finished its initial cycle after 3 weeks with no ammonia and nitrates. While I have read and understand your and Steven Pro's (I believe) articles on quarantine of everything, I am wondering if it is necessary in this case.

Since there is nothing in my tank (only rock) do you think it would be ok to add inverts and or corals if I do not add any fish to the system for at least 6 weeks?

[Reefland]

I think it is ok to add inverts and corals without Q'ing them. Perhaps not the safest method but safer than adding fish that haven't been q'ed.

[leebca]

Professionals do.

Inverts can bring the 'Red Bug' plague and several other maladies which reef aquarists are battling. Although even if they bring with them fish parasites that will die in the absence of fish, they have their own pathogens, parasites, and hitchhikers.

Have you read Steven Pro's article? If not, I suggest you give it a close read: An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure: A Quarantine Tank for Everything by Steven Pro - Reefkeeping.com

[bguile]

I have read it, but was planning to read it again in case I missed something. I understand and agree that its a good idea to quarantine corals and inverts, but was wondering if there's a real purpose to particularly when there are no other corals or inverts in the tank. Since I don't remember seeing any medications or treatments to give for corals and inverts, I wondered that other than ich if there was a real reason to quarantine inverts when the tank is fallow and will be for at least 6 weeks.

Also, thanks for your input Scott!