Quarantine is one of those topics that sounds more complicated than it needs to be. Many keepers skip it because they picture a full “hospital” setup with lots of medications and equipment. But quarantine can be very simple: a small stable tank, clean water, and observation. The goal is not to medicate everything automatically — the goal is to stop problems from entering your established tank and to give new fish a low-stress environment to settle.
Why quarantine helps
- reduces the chance of introducing parasites and disease
- lets new fish recover from shipping or transport stress
- makes it easier to spot issues early (you can’t miss symptoms in a smaller setup)
What a simple quarantine tank needs
- a small tank or tub with heater (stable temp)
- a sponge filter (gentle, fry-safe, easy)
- some cover (plants or simple decor) to reduce stress
How long to quarantine?
Many keepers observe for a couple of weeks. The key is not the exact number of days — it’s watching for consistent appetite, normal behaviour, and no signs of irritation or spots.
Common quarantine mistakes
- overfeeding (leads to water issues quickly)
- chasing fish with nets constantly (adds stress)
- medicating blindly without symptoms
Quarantine is not about fear. It’s about stability. A simple quarantine routine prevents most “mystery outbreaks” and keeps your main guppy tank far more predictable long-term.
