About 90 percent of the fish we sell go through copper and hyposalinity treatment in our store before they're sold. Here's what those two treatments are and what they mean for the fish that ends up in your tank.
Why we treat fish before they're sold
A new fish can carry parasites you can't see on day one. Once they reach a display tank, they're hard to get rid of. Treating fish on our end keeps that problem in our system instead of yours.
Copper
Copper is the standard treatment for common external parasites in marine fish, including the ones behind marine ich and velvet. It's toxic to corals and invertebrates, so copper treatment happens in fish-only systems, away from both.
Hyposalinity
Hyposalinity means lowering the salt level of the water for a period of time. Marine fish handle the lower salinity, but many parasites can't. We use it together with copper.
Why the process varies by fish
Not every fish suits the same treatment, so the exact process varies by fish. That's why the number is about 90 percent and not 100. Every fish we sell still goes through quarantine before it's sold.
If an animal needs more time, we hold it and let you know before anything ships. Fish marked Expert Only are the most sensitive species we carry. We quarantine and observe each one before it ships, and we're happy to send photos or video of your fish before it goes out.
Corals are quarantined too
Every coral we sell also goes through quarantine before it's sold. Copper never touches them.
Bringing your fish home
Our quarantine gives your fish a clean start. A few habits help it settle:
- Drip acclimate slowly so the fish can adjust to your water chemistry.
- Keep the lights dim for the first day to reduce stress.
- Add peaceful fish first and more territorial species last.
New fish often look a little pale for their first few days in a new tank. That's normal.
Common questions
Are all your fish treated with copper?
About 90 percent go through copper and hyposalinity. The exact process varies by fish.
Do you quarantine corals?
Yes. Every coral we sell goes through quarantine before it's sold.
Can I see my fish before it ships?
For Expert Only fish, we're glad to send photos or video before it goes out. For WYSIWYG listings, ask for a current photo when we contact you to set your delivery day.
Will quarantine delay my order?
Only if an animal needs more time. If it does, we hold it and let you know.