Quaretine Tank Help

[stpetehxc]

Ok, after two nights of searching the threads i couldnt find a specific answer. This may be a silly question but please bear with me. I have setup a 10gal QT. I have everything i *think* i need, lights, filitration, 1piece of LR, even gets R/O water and now...
Do i put something in it to "cycle" it or no? Just want to know the best way for when i got to purchase more fish. Thanks. Also, would it make a difference if i put some LS in or just keep the 1 piece or LR? :-D

[Gryz]

For a QT tank, you will not want any LR, it not survive if you have to use medications in the tank.
Most people will take their filter pads out of an already established tank, and put it in the QT tank for a cycle, but only do this when you get the fish, or else the bacteria on the pad will have nothing to live off of. Then do weekly water changes to keep the ammonia and nitrite down.
So take out the LR, and put in something like a large diameter PVC pipe for your fish to hide in.

Mike

[stpetehxc]

Alright, good deal. Thanks.

[Reefnut Shop]

Liverock will also absorb some meds, making them less effective. If you transfer filter pads, do not put them back on the display tank as they could be contaminated. If you have a sump, get a new filter pad and stick it in a sump chamber for a few weeks. When you purchase the fish, hook everything up and then discard the pad when QT is over.

[stpetehxc]

i figured what im going to do, and please tell me if im not doing it right. I take out some bioballs and put them in the QT tank filter when i get a new fish... (which could be tomorrow :smile: )

[Reefnut Shop]

That could work, just make sure you rinse them in some tankwater to remove any collected detritus. You would then have to clean the media (sterilize) before putting back in the sump. This is why I would use some cheap filter floss because you can toss it and forget about it. However, cleaning it with a bleach solution and rinsing very well (and adding a chlorine neutralizer) should kill any pathogens and make them usable again.

[FishinInTheDark]

I would not use them again if they are ever in medicated water. Copper and other meds won't be so easily removed, and can cause problems in the display tank with inverts.

[stpetehxc]

yea i just bought two filter pads and when i got to get a new fish ill throw one in the QT and put a new one in the show tank.

[Reefnut Shop]

I would not use them again if they are ever in medicated water. Copper and other meds won't be so easily removed, and can cause problems in the display tank with inverts.

Excellent point Conni, I am so used to only using hypo that the use of meds slipped my mind. I'll revert back to my original opinion to use "throw away" media only and then there are no disclaimers. :)

[newtofish]

I keep a piece of decent size LR in my QT at all times, I have never had to use any meds in there so it is not a problem, It is the only filtration that I have in there. It is a 10 gallon with a MJ 400, a heater and some PVC. When I do a water change in my cube I put the about 3 gallons in the QT and I have not had any problems.
I guess I will have to rethink if I ever need to medicate.

[stpetehxc]

yeh, since i didnt want to ruin any LR, i just went with some big pieces of pcv and a heater and a tiny hang on filter that i put an old filter in...cant wait to get some new FISH!

[blennyluv]

good plan, fish love pvc to hide in. i also got some of those cheesy cliffs and caves to hang in my qt tank, and a fake anemone they look really stupid but the fish love them!

[stpetehxc]

haha right on, yea i have those old school freshwater tank caves i should put in there...how long is a good QT when i put a new fish in there...6weeks?

[Gryz]

Yep, 6 weeks.


3-4 weeks minimum.

[blennyluv]

i have been told to watch them a week. but the longer the better. and just for good measure it doesnt hurt to hypo salinitate, just to be on the safe side, believe me, i have learned the hard way!!

[Gryz]

If you do choose to do hypo, raise your salinity SLOWLY when complete up to your DT salinty. (over a couple days)

[Reefnut Shop]

Some parasites, such as "ich" have life cycles where they are not very visible and could easily slip through only a week of quarantine. 4-6 weeks pretty much guarantees that you would see some form of malady and be able to treat effectively. The bonus is that the fish gets really healthy by learning "tank life" without having to compete with other fish for food, etc.

[blennyluv]

good point!!

[stpetehxc]

Now that i have the QT ready for fish, what are some good medications to stock up on...Thanks

[Peteness]

sorry for a newbie question
wat is this *QT* means?
it seems like a big deal and i jsut started my tank and getting my LR soon and im worry :shock: eheheh

[blennyluv]

quarentine tank