Why quarantine corals and inverts?
Most reef pests arrive on new frags, rocks, or cleanup crew additions. A simple quarantine station helps you catch issues before they reach the display tank, where treatment is harder and riskier.
Minimal equipment list
- 10-20 gallon bare-bottom tank or tub
- Heater + thermometer
- Small powerhead
- Simple light appropriate for observation and temporary holding
- Frag rack, specimen containers, and dedicated tools
Set up the workflow
- Prepare fresh saltwater matching display salinity and temperature.
- Dip incoming corals in a coral dip according to label directions.
- Transfer to quarantine tank for observation (2-4 weeks minimum).
- Inspect daily for pests, eggs, tissue recession, and nuisance algae.
For inverts, avoid harsh coral dips; use species-safe inspection and isolation protocol instead.
What to watch for
- Flatworms, nudibranchs, and eggs on coral bases
- Aiptasia hitchhikers
- Sudden tissue loss after transport stress
If issues appear, treat in quarantine and extend observation time. Never rush because a coral looks good on day two.
Helpful links
Need supplies or livestock? Compare frag, snail, shrimp, and heater listings. Track your quarantine notes and parameters in the ReefBay app for better consistency.
Bottom line
A basic quarantine station is one of the cheapest ways to prevent expensive reef disasters. Build the habit early and every addition becomes lower risk.
