Invert Quarantine Procedures?

[Woodstock]

I would like to begin quarantining my starfish that I get for my harlequin shrimp. What is the best method for quarantining inverts? Corals, snails, starfish..etc... BB tank for 4 weeks? 6 weeks?

[cheeks69]

Doni, just curious why Q the snails or Starfish ? The problem with the starfish is that they won't do well in tanks that aren't established but they're gunna be fed to the shrimp so no big deal. Q the Corals is a good idea what are you going to use for filtration and lighting ?

[Tarasco]

I'd figure that the quarantine procedures would be fairly similar as for fish: Water changes, monitering, etc. Here's an article from wetwebmedia:

http://www.wetwebmedia.com/quarinverts.htm

[Woodstock]

Aquaclear 300 or 500 (I have both in storage) packed with sponges from an established tank. Lighting? NO flouresent. I am mainly concerned with the starfish. I have no need to QT snails because I have PLENTY but the starfish I purchase frequently.

[Woodstock]

Thanks Tarasco!

A few quotes from that link...

Quarantine: It’s Not Just For Fishes Anymore!

Everyone knows the value of quarantining newly acquired fishes by now, right? Well, let’s hope that you do! By properly quarantining corals and invertebrates, you can (just as easily) avoid introducing a whole host of nasties into your reef system, from box snails to nudibranchs. Protecting your reef from these unwanted guests isn’t just the right thing to do for your reef; it’s also good for your reputation at the next club frag swap. Imagine what it will do for your popularity when someone refers to you as "the guy whose Xenia put (replace with brought) RTN into my system!" Not good.

Quarantine practices for corals and invertebrates are absolutely standard procedure at all public aquariums, and they should be in your fish room, as well. Why risk the health of your entire reef on one coral or invertebrate, when very simple procedures, requiring minimal, inexpensive equipment, can virtually assure that your system will remain disease free?

The quarantine period should last a minimum of 21 days, although many hobbyists employ a 30-day quarantine with great results. Regardless of how long a quarantine period you utilize, be sure to perform regular water changes and maintenance during this time.