Does QT tank need to cycle?

[Slayvoff]

Or at least a full cycle a DT goes through? I mainly ask because I am over a month away from being ready to even receive my tank (renovating my floors). But my LFS has these two gorgeous and personable (they like me more than my gf which is great) MochaVinci Clowns ($330, not sure if rip-off).

I am pretty certain they'll be gone by the time I am ready to receive my tank and begin the cycle (current plan would be to start cycling the DT and get my first set of fish to QT at the same time DT cycles). Would I be able to set up a QT now (I have the supplies for a QT, plus salt and RODI) and have two clowns live in it for an extended period of time? My floors should be done Oct. 18th at latest, and then I can order my Reefer 250.

 

[mfinn]

You would need some sort of working biological filter. Cured live rock, seeded sponge filter, or similar.

 

[Slayvoff]

You would need some sort of working biological filter. Cured live rock, seeded sponge filter, or similar.

can you get a sponge to put in filter and pour on that biospora stuff? and then it is totally cool to keep a couple clowns for like 2 months? Haven't gotten QT tank yet, but was thinking 10gal

 

[Big G]

QTs can be setup quickly. Here's the best explanation by Humblefish:
https://www.reef2reef.com/ams/how-to-quarantine.232/

 

[mfinn]

can you get a sponge to put in filter and pour on that biospora stuff? and then it is totally cool to keep a couple clowns for like 2 months? Haven't gotten QT tank yet, but was thinking 10gal

It's not a functioning biofilter, so I would say no.

 

[savetheocean]

You would need some sort of working biological filter. Cured live rock, seeded sponge filter, or similar.

No live rock, I thought rock absorbed copper.

 

[mfinn]

No live rock, I thought rock absorbed copper.

You can use some, it will absorb some copper. You have to stay on top of testing.
Also it's not rock you would add back to a display tank.
Forever doomed.

 

[iemsparticus]

can you get a sponge to put in filter and pour on that biospora stuff? and then it is totally cool to keep a couple clowns for like 2 months? Haven't gotten QT tank yet, but was thinking 10gal

That's correct. You can seed the sponge with Biospira, and it works well. I have put a dozen fish through my current QT and did in in that exact way. Read the article @Humblefish wrote on QT (linked above).

 

[Antics]

It can definitely be done. Don't let my post suggest that what you're proposing is impossible. However, I would 100% reconsider this route because its adding stress you don't need when it comes to setting up a new system. Things change so quickly it's incredible. I've met people who bought and set up 180 gallon aquariums and are out of the hobby in less than 3 months. What you're proposing is to float $300+ of fish for a very long time without an established system to help compensate for any laziness or lack of time you experience getting your floors complete and tank delivered/assembled.

Assuming your tank is ordered and delivered on October 18th you're most likely not going to be able to even add the fish until mid/late November into December. It's going to be a headache and probably one you and your girlfriend are not going to enjoy.

 

[Idoc]

To comment on the other part of your message... $330 seems kind of excessive for the mocha davinci clowns! I just looked up their color patterns and see that they are classified as Class A -- all white stripes are connected on both sides ( probably pretty expensive). But if the ones you are looking at only have a stripe connecting on one side, then they ate Class B and should not be too much. Do they look similar to the coloring of these that i just bought:

 

[Slayvoff]

It can definitely be done. Don't let my post suggest that what you're proposing is impossible. However, I would 100% reconsider this route because its adding stress you don't need when it comes to setting up a new system. Things change so quickly it's incredible. I've met people who bought and set up 180 gallon aquariums and are out of the hobby in less than 3 months. What you're proposing is to float $300+ of fish for a very long time without an established system to help compensate for any laziness or lack of time you experience getting your floors complete and tank delivered/assembled.

Assuming your tank is ordered and delivered on October 18th you're most likely not going to be able to even add the fish until mid/late November into December. It's going to be a headache and probably one you and your girlfriend are not going to enjoy.

Yeah I mean I can't say you're wrong. It's too bad because I would gladly buy on the spot, I fell immediately in love. Now some other lucky hobbyist will get them most likely. Eventually another pair will come I suppose.

To comment on the other part of your message... $330 seems kind of excessive for the mocha davinci clowns! I just looked up their color patterns and see that they are classified as Class A -- all white stripes are connected on both sides ( probably pretty expensive). But if the ones you are looking at only have a stripe connecting on one side, then they ate Class B and should not be too much. Do they look similar to the coloring of these that i just bought:

I'd have to go look again to be sure but I think the front white area and the middle white area were connected with white and weren't completely segregated.

 

[Idoc]

I'd have to go look again to be sure but I think the front white area and the middle white area were connected with white and weren't completely segregated.

Well, as a bit of a guide...I paid $29.99 for one and $59.99 for the other in that picture... and that was from a LFS that is known to be higher priced in my area. I wanted that general look of Clown coloration as well. I didn't really care if it was a grade A variety... I wouldn't worry about having to jump on these particular Clowns since your situation is less than ideal right now. Take a picture of them and go around other fish stores and ask how much to specially order in 2 with that color pattern. A LFS can order anything you want in... I bet you get that color pattern for much less! But, you will pay a little more if it is already a bonded pair.

 

[Slayvoff]

Well, as a bit of a guide...I paid $29.99 for one and $59.99 for the other in that picture... and that was from a LFS that is known to be higher priced in my area. I wanted that general look of Clown coloration as well. I didn't really care if it was a grade A variety... I wouldn't worry about having to jump on these particular Clowns since your situation is less than ideal right now. Take a picture of them and go around other fish stores and ask how much to specially order in 2 with that color pattern. A LFS can order anything you want in... I bet you get that color pattern for much less! But, you will pay a little more if it is already a bonded pair.

I assume they're bonded because they moved everywhere together and the sign said not to separate (though that could just be a sales tactic). I just know they were gooooorgeous. Like I want a pair of frostbites and seeing them immediately changed my mind lol. But ya quite expensive...they were kept in their own shallow tank away from all other clowns that were in a few tanks in larger numbers, so I am guessing they were pretty special. But again, I'm as rookie as it gets.

 

[Claus84]

I wouldn't put the fish, or yourself through the stress of keeping on top of ammonia spikes by rushing qt setup in a non emergency. I have set qt's up using both dr tims and colony and had unacceptable levels of ammonia every time. It's less of a hassle if you are not medicating and can use prime to detoxify the ammonia but still doesn't seem worth the risk for anything but emergency treatment.

 

[iemsparticus]

I wouldn't put the fish, or yourself through the stress of keeping on top of ammonia spikes by rushing qt setup in a non emergency. I have set qt's up using both dr tims and colony and had unacceptable levels of ammonia every time. It's less of a hassle if you are not medicating and can use prime to detoxify the ammonia but still doesn't seem worth the risk for anything but emergency treatment.

I have to say that my experience has been completely opposite. Each time I set up my QT I have used Biospira, and I have never had an Amonia spike. I monitor with a Seneye, as well as the badge. I do water changes after each round of PraziPro, and one after the 30 days of Copper... and that's it. I'm not saying this is everyone's experience, but my experience has always been smooth sailing, fwiw.

 

[glb]

I wouldn't do it. You'd feel awful if they didn't make it and that is a lot of money. I'm sure the right fish will come along when your tank is ready. Good luck!

 

[Oldsalt01]

This is a classic case of "want" vs "need". Of course you WANT the fish. Ask yourself: "Do I NEED the fish"? That's a goodly sum to risk in a system that's not established. Also keep in mind that refinishing floors involves VOC's from the stains and finish that could doom the fish anyway, if the tank is set up in the same house. JMHO.

 

[Fin]

Patience is a virtue with this hobby. I am old school and would say buying fish before you even get your display tank is not a great idea. Be patient and make sure you have everything in place to receive new livestock before you bring it home.

 

[Slayvoff]

Thanks all. I figured it wouldn't be a great idea - just that excitement of the first fish is getting to me. I'll keep waiting though, I don't want to end up sad because of a stupid mistake.