QT tank regarding 55g

[Gryz]

My 55g has been set up, along with my QT.
There is no LR in the 55g but will be soon, so I was wondering since a fish should be in QT for 4-6 weeks if I could get one of the fish I wanted and put him in the QT?

[FishinInTheDark]

As long as the QT is done cycling, I sure can't see why not.

It's not a bad idea to add a little fish food to the tank a couple times per week to make sure that your biological cycle is up to par before adding the fish. http://www.marineaquariumadvice.com/quarantine_methodology_1.html

[Gryz]

Some suggested taking the filter pad out of my display tank and putting it in my HOB on the QT when I decide to get a fish for it. Then just keep up on my water changes.

Is this OK?

[FishinInTheDark]

Is the display tank cycled? If not, that won't really help. That's a good method once you have a fully cycled tank with a bioload.

It's really not that humane to bring home a fish and put it in an uncycled tank. Since you are going to QT your fish, why don't you use a dead prawn to get the cycle going now? Why buy a fish and put it in an unstable QT which could make it sick? I know it's really hard not to have SOMETHING moving to look at, but slow and steady wins the race!

Great suggestion by mantis to keep the biobugs fed in a fallow but cycled QT setup. Such a simple solution!

[Gryz]

The display tank filter was going to come out of my 30g which is stable and has fish in it.

So will that work?

[FishinInTheDark]

It should, but you'd be best off waiting and cycling the tank. I see in your profile that you have several tanks to watch. I guess I can't understand the hurry, but it's ultimately your choice, of course. I wish you luck!

[Doctor_Reef]

I would agree with Conni...patience is real hard at this stage, water in the tank!!!! But if you do it right it will save you heartache and money!!!! But the choice is yours...

[Gryz]

I just thought I could kill 2 birds with 1 stone...QT a fish and cycle his tank.