Does new QT tank need to cycle?

[TonapahNorth]

ive got new corals coming in. I just want to make sure they are ok before I put them in the DT. Do I need to establish the QT the same way with a cycle or is it just clear bottom and big % water changes.

Thanks
Tona

 

[nervousmonkey]

My QT system doesn't need to cycle, just BB, HOB filter and heater, and WC's, but not a whole lot are needed on a coral only QT. You should be fine just mixing up SW and adding it to the QT with a heater and something for flow, small powerhead, etc.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Id add live rock.

 

[TonapahNorth]

Any more thoughts on this?

I anticipate using this same tank for fish later and a hospital tank if necesssary. Should I start from scratch each time I need to QT or go medic?

 

[ChiCity]

It's just wise to have a separate system if the unthinkable occurs...
At least I think so

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Any more thoughts on this?

I anticipate using this same tank for fish later and a hospital tank if necesssary. Should I start from scratch each time I need to QT or go medic?

if you have room, why not keep it.

 

[AlexG]

I would put a filter sponge in the display tank and leave it there a week or two so it can build up bacteria and then move it to the QT tank in the HOB filter and you have a good biological filter in place. Optionally I would use tank water to fill the QT tank. If you need to do a water change then just use tank water to fill the QT tank and then the fresh saltwater can be used for the DT. It is possible to add rock for a biological filter and this might be the best solution if your corals are already on the way. A disadvantage is that the rock should not be put back in the DT especially if medication treatments are needed or unwanted pests are found on the corals in the QT. The other disadvantage of using rock in the QT tank is that it can provide a place for pests to live where a bare tank would limit the places for pests to hide which makes them easier to spot and remove.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

A disadvantage is that the rock should not be put back in the DT especially if medication treatments are needed or unwanted pests are found on the corals in the QT. The other disadvantage of using rock in the QT tank is that it can provide a place for pests to live where a bare tank would limit the places for pests to hide which makes them easier to spot and remove.

agreed. but a QT you can aggressively nuke. FWE, peroxide, interceptor etc. copper I believe is the only Cavat. and some still use that rock after removing the copper.

 

[TonapahNorth]

Sounds to me like the best thing to do is have a fish only QT and a coral only QT.

Correct me if I'm wrong but it appears like we have:
1) long term fully cycled coral tanks and
2) bare bottom fish tanks that get completely renewed as needed.

 

[saltyfilmfolks]

Sounds to me like the best thing to do is have a fish only QT and a coral only QT.

Correct me if I'm wrong but it appears like we have:
1) long term fully cycled coral tanks and
2) bare bottom fish tanks that get completely renewed as needed.

yes.
and 3) some who use it for both and only set up a fish hospital tank for use with copper and meds that are not coral safe..
w option 1, that could be an inexpensive nano