When to introduce CUC?

Pasfur

Those are very popular light fixtures. I'm sure you made a good choice, especially with Wake's guidance.

I see no reason to wait on livestock, especially on a clean up crew. Any fish will need a few weeks in Q anyhow, so you may as well start looking for healthy fish!

JohnnyD

Awesome! I'll be picking up 3 hermits on Sunday and will be checking out some fish while I'm there as well. How long will most LFSs let you put a fish on hold while you watch it?

Pasfur

Ahhh... you have the concept off a bit. If you aren't buying the fish, they won't hold the fish. You tell them you want to buy that fish, but won't be able to take it home until "xxxxday". Ask if they will hold it for you. You only do this after you have been observing the fish closely and feel comfortable making the purchase.

"You know Mr. LFS Employee, that fish looks really nice, but I hate to take it home so soon after it arrived. Can you hold it for me until Wednesday. Lets let it settle down for a couple of days and I will be back then to pick it up."

If by some chance the day rolls around and the fish is sick, the LFS will understand when you say you are not purchasing a sick fish.

On the flip side, very few pet shops have quarantine facilities. They want to sale their livestock ASAP. Turnover is the name of the game in the fish industry. It is unreasonable to expect them to hold a fish just so you can make up your mind on if you want to purchase it.

JohnnyD

I bought 4 hermits almost a week ago and the guy at the LFS said I didn't need to get any food for them. Should I go back and purchase something for them or will they be fine feeding off the rock? If so, what kind of food?

Pasfur

You don't need food for them.