First Quarantine Tank

[S.Pepper]

I finally got the approval to start a 10 gallon quarantine tank. It would probably be better to have 20 gallons, but I believe I should be able to do what I need to do with 10 gallons. I'll be quarantining small wrasses typically between 1.5"-2.5".

Here's a list of equipment I'm buying. Any suggestions about additional equipment or different equipment is appreciated.

Aqeon 10 gallon tank from Petco: Aqueon Standard Glass Aquarium Tank 10 Gallon (petco.com)

Aqueon power filter: Aqueon QuietFlow LED PRO 20 Aquarium Power Filter (petco.com)

Aqueon heater: Aqueon Preset Aquarium Heater, 100W (petco.com)

Fish Net: Imagitarium Aquarium Net for Fish, 8" x 16" (petco.com)

Ammonia Badge: AMMONIA ALERT - CONTINUOUS AMMONIA SENSOR (bulkreefsupply.com)

Hanna Copper with Reagents: COPPER HIGH RANGE COLORIMETER HI702 HANNA CHECKER (bulkreefsupply.com)

I was planning on taking a pound or 2 of live rock from my sump to add to the Q-tank (I would discard this rock after quarantining is done). But othershave suggested this provides a place for parasites and such to hide. So, if this is the case, I guess i should rely on water changes alone? If i am relying on water changes, 10% should be enough every other day?

As far as medication goes, I think i am going to asked this in one of the wrasse threads. I know there are a few well known experts with wrasses that don't use copper? But if anyone has any thoughts, please feel free to comment.

thx,

 

[DC Reefer]

With wrasses I would add a lid to the equipment list. For water changes I would monitor the ammonia and let that drive the timing and amount of the water change. Good luck w/ the QT

 

[Dark_Knightt]

I would also suggest using a sponge filter in stead of a powerfilter for quarantines, they are cheaper and simply easier to use. Also add some decorations or PVC pipe for the fish to hide in, QT can be stressful.

 

[S.Pepper]

With wrasses I would add a lid to the equipment list. For water changes I would monitor the ammonia and let that drive the timing and amount of the water change. Good luck w/ the QT

Thx. I have few wrasses in my main tank and have a custom lid to keep them in. I have some netting that i will use for the QT.

 

[Uncle99]

I just did 10% water changeonce a day at the same time , and vacuumed up uneaten food daily.

Never had an ammonia problem, but that being said, I largely depends on how many and size of fish in QT at one time. 2-4 fish.....10% is fine.

Some UPC fittings for hiding spots.

As soon as you deploy copper, any beneficial bacteria is toast.

 

[S.Pepper]

I would also suggest using a sponge filter in stead of a powerfilter for quarantines, they are cheaper and simply easier to use. Also add some decorations or PVC pipe for the fish to hide in, QT can be stressful.

TY. Yes, I had planned on the PVC, but thx for reminding me. I have to laugh at myself for not knowing how a sponge filter works. I have a pretty decent system which is automated to a degree with some nice equipment, but i had never looked into a sponge filter; and have no idea how they work. I see the actual sponge being sold at Petco, but that's it. What do i need to make it work? LOL I guess i can find a Utube video.

thx for the reply.

 

[S.Pepper]

I just did 10% water change, and vacuumed up uneaten food daily.

Some UPC fittings for hiding spots.

As soon as you deploy copper, any beneficial bacteria is toast.

Okay, water changes it will be. With this size of tank, they won't be an issue at 10%. Thx.

 

[S.Pepper]

I've got the video on sponge filters. The first thing the guy says is we get a lot of questions on how these work and how to set them up. I don't feel too bad now.

 

[Willy315]

I just did 10% water changeonce a day at the same time , and vacuumed up uneaten food daily.

Never had an ammonia problem, but that being said, I largely depends on how many and size of fish in QT at one time. 2-4 fish.....10% is fine.

Some UPC fittings for hiding spots.

As soon as you deploy copper, any beneficial bacteria is toast.

I rarely do water changes during the copper stage and never have ammonia problems. I will net out any uneaten food or waste every few days. Currently have 4 anthias and a royal gramma in a 20L

 

[S.Pepper]

I rarely do water changes during the copper stage and never have ammonia problems. I will net out any uneaten food or waste every few days. Currently have 4 anthias and a royal gramma in a 20L

Thx. I have the ammonia badge, so I'll monitor it that way for water changes.

 

[Dark_Knightt]

TY. Yes, I had planned on the PVC, but thx for reminding me. I have to laugh at myself for not knowing how a sponge filter works. I have a pretty decent system which is automated to a degree with some nice equipment, but i had never looked into a sponge filter; and have no idea how they work. I see the actual sponge being sold at Petco, but that's it. What do i need to make it work? LOL I guess i can find a Utube video.

thx for the reply.

Well sponge filters are basically just the water gets sucked in through the sponge and then shot up the top. Super simple, thats why they use them in in fry tanks because they cant exactly suck up an entire baby fish. I would recommend it, looks like you found a video. like, the fish should be fine but its just recommended, plus you save some electricity and money. Good luck!

 

[RobB'z Reef]

I would skip the rocks personally. Maybe I missed it but are you going to proactively medicate and if so for which diseases? If you plan on using copper ever (whether proactively or reactively) those rocks are going to play hell with getting the water to medicated levels due to absorption. Just use pvc pipes for hiding. You'll save time off money not disposing of them after the qt process as you can safely use them again. What are your detailed thoughts on what qt means for you?