Did you ever know why pet store fish always seem to be sick?

[Saphira101]

Hello guys,
I'm not sure if you already know, but I just found out that big chain pet stores actually have one huge filter in the back room that all of the tanks run on. so actually the fish are also living in the same water! that means if one fish gets sick, all of the fish get sick. in addition, all of their water is the same temp too! the goldfish, the chichlids, and the tropical fish! yeesh. did any of you already know this?

[SolomonFinch]

Preaching to the choir, Saphira...I agree 100%
How long should rescued fish from these places be quarantined?

[bryanacute]

Until they seem healthy if sick. I quarantine for about 4 days.

[MSG]

This is why you ask questions to the employees in the stores. If it doesn't sound plausible then you may not want to believe anything else they tell you.

Also most of these pet stores do add some sort of medication to their water but depends on the person in charge of the department what type of routine they will follow.

If you plan to, "Quarantine" 4 days will do basically NOTHING.

• 2 weeks is recommended, but 4 weeks is the industry standard

The people I know that follow the "standard" are some dedicated fishkeepers who are into the saltwater varieties who order very EXPENSIVE (anything over $50 & up) species & will QT a new "specimen" in a fully established & fully equipped hospital tank for a little over a month.

[veilmist]

Anyone who comes with my too a pet store tries to keep my away from the bettas especially because I always want to take them home and make them better :(

[ChoclateBetta]

Cichlids not Chichlids.

[Mo]

Wow CB. Thanks for going totally off topic, lol.
Also. Yeah, I figured this out w while back. I don't think it's a very smart idea but these things filter well, and are cheap/efficient. That's why most pet stores use em

[ChoclateBetta]

I didnt go off topic I am reffering to the first post. Not all pet stores are bad.

[veilmist]

No, not all Pet stores are bad. I know of one not too far from my house that is wonderful! They have quarantine and hospital tanks (which should be standard) and as far as I can tell all the fish are quite happy. :)

[ChoclateBetta]

Are guppies are doing better. Guppy problems are the only comolant of my Petco.