Science-based, Transparent, Quarantine

Every fish that arrives gets a few days to settle in before we start any treatments. We observe their behavior, appetite, and overall condition to ensure they're ready for the protocol ahead. This is also when copper is slowly ramped up to a therapeutic dose.  At this point, we also obtain preliminary microscopy results to establish both a health and a behavioral baseline. 

We maintain Copper Power at 2.50 ppm for at least 21 days with copper levels checked daily. Fish must show zero symptoms for 14 consecutive days before moving forward. During the time fish are in our care, tanks are scrubbed periodically to inhibit biofilm formation. The frequency of this procedure depends on factors including batch stocking density and nutritional requirements of specific fish.

Metronidazole is dosed every 48 hours. Praziquantel is administered at least twice minimum of 5 days apart. If visible symptoms are present, affected fish are removed and dipped in a peroxide bath before being re-introduced along with Nitrofurazone. During this phase, fish behavior and tank conditions are made transparent via clear videos for each listing. Microscopy-based testing is done regularly and results with expert analysis is shared.

After sitting in medication for at least 3 weeks and at least 2 weeks without symptoms, the fish are transferred to a new sterile system that is more natural-looking to settle before starting the next round of treatments. They are only moved to this system if the results of at least 4 microscopy tests and behavioral tests are clean. We will provide you with a progress report card at this stage along with our regular updates for each listing.

After copper treatment, we feed medicated food containing fenbendazole, metronidazole, and praziquantel once daily for at least 10-14 days. This addresses internal parasites that external treatments cannot target. At this stage we will also perform targeted fecal testing along with our regular testing suite. Before moving the fish to the final stage, we also are looking for a visibly apparent learned feeding response and evidence of stable weight or weight gain.

The final step is an observation period in a clean and sterile system with no medications. During this time, we monitor for normal behavior and vigor.  After final clean tests, the fish is ready to be sent to their forever homes. We hope you will cherish them as much as we do!