Quarantine
Every fish that lands in our facility moves into a bare-bottom holding system with conservative bio-load and pristine parameters. We observe each animal for a minimum of two weeks for signs of disease — flashing, clamped fins, white spots, rapid breathing, or appetite loss — and run prophylactic treatments for the most common pathogens (ich, velvet, and gill/body flukes). Only animals that eat consistently, behave normally, and show no signs of illness are released for shipment.
When you receive your fish, we strongly recommend continuing quarantine for an additional 4 weeks in a dedicated QT tank. A 10–20 gallon bare-bottom setup with a sponge filter, heater, and PVC hide is enough. Copper-based treatments (1.75–2.5 ppm chelated copper) or the tank-transfer method handle ich and velvet; praziquantel handles flukes; metronidazole-soaked food handles internal parasites. Skip QT only if you are running a quarantined-only display.
Full quarantine guides — including invertebrates
The protocol above covers fish. For copper-free invertebrate workflows, species lists, hitchhikers, safe treatments, and a full “what to do if…” troubleshooting guide, open the dedicated quarantine pages.
Recommended coral dip
Every new coral — frag, colony, or anemone — should be dipped before entering your display. We use and recommend Bayer Complete, CoralRx, or Reef Primer at label dosage. Bathe the coral for 5–10 minutes with gentle agitation in a separate container of tank water, then rinse twice in clean saltwater. Inspect plugs and bases carefully under a flashlight for flatworms, pyramid snails, nudibranchs, and eggs. When in doubt, snap the coral off its plug and re-attach to a clean frag plug or rock before placing.
This single step catches the overwhelming majority of pests before they reach your reef. It is the cheapest insurance you will ever buy.
Drip acclimation
Open your shipping box in low light. Float the unopened bag in your tank or QT for 15 minutes to equalize temperature. Then transfer the livestock and shipping water into a clean bucket placed below your tank, and start a slow drip from the display using a length of airline tubing tied off with a loose knot — aim for 2–4 drops per second.
Drip for 45–60 minutes, or until the volume in the bucket has at least tripled. For sensitive invertebrates and corals, extend to 90 minutes. Net fish out into the tank — do not pour shipping water in. For corals, place them on the sand or in a lower-flow area for the first 24–48 hours before moving them to their final location. Keep lighting dim for the first day to minimize stress.
If anything appears to be in distress at any stage, contact us immediately — we work with our customers to make it right.