Best sized qt tank?

southerntnreefer · Apr 3, 2018

As I start the build out for the 125 agressive, I'm decoddec to re do my qt strategy.

I can't decide.

A 29 and stand?
40 breeder and stand
55 and stand

I have the 55 but no stand, and I could get rid of it / trade it for something and get a 40 or 29 setup. Was goibg to be my sump but I'm gunna do a stock tank sump instead.

Thoughts?

cracker · Apr 3, 2018

will be buying larger fish? I mean a bigger fish from the lfs, I ended up with 20 longs for observation tanks.

mtfish · Apr 3, 2018

Your answer depends on what size and type of fish you plan to purchase. Personally, I use 10 gallon and 20 longs for QT, although I do have 40 breeders if it is a large fish or needs lots of room. I do TTM so the water is changed 100% frequently. The reason I do smaller tanks is it uses less water and you may have to medicate, so the amounts of medicine are reduced. Another factor is a temporary QT versus a permanent one. I would think a 29 gallon would be a good size for permanent QT. Tell us more how you plan to use the QT and you may get better answers.

shred5 · Apr 3, 2018

Bigger is better for bigger fish, it makes them less stressed but it will require more meds.

southerntnreefer · Apr 3, 2018

The idea is to firstly start some bio bags in the 90s sump so I can quickly seed the qt, but would be permanent. The fish we want will all be bought as babies as as a family we enjoy to watch a fish grow and change. Will be upgrading the system to a 240 eventually too ( building the system worth this in mind) each fish would be bought, qt'd and then to the big tank.

southerntnreefer · Apr 3, 2018

The fish will be mostly triggers, angel, a tang of choice, dwarf lion etc so nothing super super small unless I add some damsels to let the lion have some fun.

solitude127 · Apr 3, 2018

I'd go with a 55g QT tank for that list of fish.

southerntnreefer · Apr 3, 2018

The good news is I already own the physical tank, heaters and enough filters. I'll just have to figure out a stand, and hood, and make room, I was just curious what everyone else is doing.

alton · Apr 3, 2018

For larger fish I use a 100 gallon rubbermaid tub, your 55 would work.

southerntnreefer · Apr 3, 2018

See I thought of that too, going to get a 100 gallon Rubbermaid stock tank for my sump for this tank. Thought about a second one for qt, but I couldn't think of a good way to observe. I'll just have to find me a stand then, and keep the plan the same. pain 3 sides and good to go.

cracker · Apr 3, 2018

I went with 20 longs . Has some room for a stressed fish to stretch out a bit also not to big that a w/t or cleaning becomes difficult. A simple shelf/stand from Home depot would work for a stand.
Als0 consider taping some cardboard to the 3 sides so the tank can live again for another purpose in the future. I used a paper grocery bags cut to fit.

andrewkw · Apr 3, 2018

Keep in mind just because you have a 55 gallon doesn't mean you have to fill it all the way to the top. Fill it halfway and it becomes a 27.5 gallon. I'd say just keep the 55 because it's what you have.

southerntnreefer · Apr 3, 2018

cracker said:
I went with 20 longs . Has some room for a stressed fish to stretch out a bit also not to big that a w/t or cleaning becomes difficult. A simple shelf/stand from Home depot would work for a stand.
Als0 consider taping some cardboard to the 3 sides so the tank can live again for another purpose in the future. I used a paper grocery bags cut to fit.

Very cool idea! Never thought of that!

southerntnreefer · Apr 3, 2018

andrewkw said:
Keep in mind just because you have a 55 gallon doesn't mean you have to fill it all the way to the top. Fill it halfway and it becomes a 27.5 gallon. I'd say just keep the 55 because it's what you have.

I'd have to find a way to rig the hob filters tho.

mtfish · Apr 3, 2018

southerntnreefer said:
I'd have to find a way to rig the hob filters tho.

You can also use a sponge filter which will work no matter if the tank if half full or not. To start off, throw a couple of sponges in your sump to seed, then when you need one it is ready to go.

MikeyTN · Apr 3, 2018

If your doing quarantine with several fish at a time then 55 would be your best choice since you have the tank already but if just one or two 29g be perfect. Lesser chemicals you have to dose.

southerntnreefer · Apr 4, 2018

mtfish said:
You can also use a sponge filter which will work no matter if the tank if half full or not. To start off, throw a couple of sponges in your sump to seed, then when you need one it is ready to go.

A sponge filter is sufficient for bio ?

Deezill · Apr 4, 2018

southerntnreefer said:
A sponge filter is sufficient for bio ?

Sponge filter should work I am currently using it as I QT some baby lyretail anthias. they are like 1 inch in size. they are tiny.
I just medicated the tank with Prazi Pro on Monday. they have been in the Qt for a week eating very well.

southerntnreefer · Apr 4, 2018

I'll have to look at that then!

Deezill · Apr 4, 2018

I got this one from amazon since I am on a budget for this QT tank.
https://www.amazon.com/Powkoo-Spong...=1522848339&sr=8-9&keywords=sponge+bio+filter

I also got the inline tubing and a cheap pump to make bubbles for aeration. After my water change I will start a two week copper treatment then treat one more week with Prazi Pro giving one week break in between treatments.