QT of parrot fish

Thomashtom · Dec 11, 2019

Hi anyone have experience with QT of parrot fish? . Because of their specific needs they may be more difficult to QT? Any ideas? Thanks

Thomashtom · Dec 12, 2019

nobody?

Gareth elliott · Dec 12, 2019

Little surprised I’ve got one.. Quoyi Parrotfish

Hows this one doing? Do they tend to fade over time, regardless of diet? After being unsuccessful with one, I was able to keep my second for several months. (not the one in the video, obviously...) A smaller fish, he started out as pale pastels, but became brighter over time - the pinks...

www.reef2reef.com

Found this thread have no first hand experience to share on parrot fish.

saltyhog · Dec 12, 2019

I had no trouble QT'ing my Parrot Fish. I did TTM followed by about 4-5 weeks in a cycled QT where I fattened him up and got him acclimated to captive life and foods.

The problem with parrot fish (at least Quoyi) IME is not getting them through QT but them stopping eating and wasting away after 6 months to a year.

Thomashtom · Dec 12, 2019

Ok thanks, going to try one again! had one years ago that lived about 8 months! But did not QT back then!!! Hoping for the best. Hoping to wipe out any internal parasites cause i think thats what happens to them.

ca1ore · Dec 12, 2019

I’m unconvinced the problem with this fish is internal parasites. I’m zero for two. In both cases, got them through QT but both died after 6-7 months. I think success with this fish is likely a large tank with a lot of grazing surfaces and not a lot of other aggressive feeders.

EmdeReef · Dec 13, 2019

I got a quoyi about a year ago, still going strong. Initially, it was a difficult fish to get to eat, at first would only eat algae pellets and algae wafers, now it eats everything including nori... generally a very shy fish despite its size, id recommend quarantining alone, don’t start any treatment until you make sure it’s eating. Make sure it has enough room to hide (large enough pvc pipe will work). Dim the lights on your QT, I’ve noticed they get a bit startled.

I quarantined 6-7 at this point and they don’t seem to mind chelated copper but did become lethargic just around the 2 week mark, best to do a tank transfer after2wks.

Thomashtom · Dec 13, 2019

Thanks, i am hoping either Quickcure or prazipro will wipe out any internal parasites. Any suggestions?

Gareth elliott · Dec 13, 2019

Humblefish has a recent post on not feeding praziquantel due to irritating the intestine I believe. I would stick with just feeding metro.

saltyhog · Dec 13, 2019

ca1ore said:
I’m unconvinced the problem with this fish is internal parasites. I’m zero for two. In both cases, got them through QT but both died after 6-7 months. I think success with this fish is likely a large tank with a lot of grazing surfaces and not a lot of other aggressive feeders.

What's weird is I treated both of mine for internal parasites and for 6 months they competed aggressively and well with all my wrasses. Then they started eating only smaller and smaller food particles and withered away over a few more months. I would so love to have one as both of mine were personable and beyond beautiful. Anxious to see how this goes for the OP. @EmdeReef keep us informed how yours is doing. You're rekindling my itch for one!

Thomashtom · Dec 13, 2019

Ok thanks for your help .will do.

Thomashtom · Dec 13, 2019

Ok well, acclimation went ok but he does not like the bare bottom QT and he did not eat!! Did your guys eat the first day? Might have to change things around in tank. Thanks

MyTankSux · Dec 13, 2019

I had a princess parrot years ago. thing was a champ eater, but as the name indicates it was a princess. It got bullied by my other fish and I had to get rid of it. Mine basically started eating right away. They will take small chunks of rock off while eating and basically poop sand. Any specific questions I can help you with?

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Thomashtom · Dec 13, 2019

Thanks , do you think he will get used to the bare bottom tank? Because he is not liking it!!!

MyTankSux · Dec 13, 2019

Well this is my opinion. You need to have tons of algae for them to graze on all day. I had mine eating pellets and frozen stuff also (not 100% sure on the frozen it was about 15 years ago). I used to leave the who back wall of my tank with algae on it for the parrot and my tangs at the time. Parrots produce a ton of thick mucus to sleep in at night and they are less prone to external parasites. I would try to get the fish into its final location asap if you feel it is free from internal parasites such as worms. before introducing it to the dt i would do a fw dip, and try to feed it something soaked in dewormer (prazi, fenbendazole)

MyTankSux · Dec 13, 2019

Could you place a small glass pan/ tupperware with some sand in the qt?

Thomashtom · Dec 14, 2019

That’s an idea!! Never had much luck feeling praziquantel powder or liquid on food even with focus and garlic extreme. Could dose water but that would mean keeping him in QT for almost 2 weeks. Gotta get him to eat!!!