First time QT'ing

[Netotek]

My 5Gallon QT cycled, I did a 50% water change and I added 1 tuxedo urchin, and 4 nassarius snails (they look small). So far the urchin has found the Nori and he's covered himself like a blanket with it.

I have a few questions.
- Ammonia went up to 0.23 overnight(Hanna), I think I might've put too much Nori in for the urchin. Should I take it out before it completely dissolves?
- how often should I be feeding? I fed them some frozen brine shrimp yesterday and today.
- should I move the urchin into the sand where there are shells for him to use as camouflage?
- Any tips? I've never tried keeping snails or urchins

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

My 5Gallon QT cycled, I did a 50% water change and I added 1 tuxedo urchin, and 4 nassarius snails (they look small). So far the urchin has found the Nori and he's covered himself like a blanket with it.

I have a few questions.
- Ammonia went up to 0.23 overnight(Hanna), I think I might've put too much Nori in for the urchin. Should I take it out before it completely dissolves?
- how often should I be feeding? I fed them some frozen brine shrimp yesterday and today.
- should I move the urchin into the sand where there are shells for him to use as camouflage?
- Any tips? I've never tried keeping snails or urchins

Are you just isolating the invertebrates so that they don't bring disease in to your tank with fish in it? That can be an issue, but some stores have gotten the word and now keep their invertebrates isolated from any fish, so those can typically be added right into your display. Otherwise, yes, isolating the new invertebrates that have been exposed to untreated fish can be done by holding them for 30 days.

I'm not seeing the life support on this tank. I don't see a heater, is the filter a HOB on the other end? It would help to have some aeration.

I would change the nori every day, you don't need such large pieces.

Jay

 

[Netotek]

Are you just isolating the invertebrates so that they don't bring disease in to your tank with fish in it? That can be an issue, but some stores have gotten the word and now keep their invertebrates isolated from any fish, so those can typically be added right into your display. Otherwise, yes, isolating the new invertebrates that have been exposed to untreated fish can be done by holding them for 30 days.

I'm not seeing the life support on this tank. I don't see a heater, is the filter a HOB on the other end? It would help to have some aeration.

I would change the nori every day, you don't need such large pieces.

Jay

Hi,
yes I’m just isolating the inverts so they don’t bring disease into the DT. I checked with my LFS and their inverts are kept with captive bred fish which they said was a reduced risk, but they are still kept with fish so I opted to QT them.

As far as life support, the tank is the Fluval Sea Evo 5Gallon AIO. Filter, heater and return pump is in the back 2 chambers. I have the return nozzle aimed just under the surface to create movement at the surface. I do have a spare air pump if needed as well.

And thank you, I will change the Nori Daily.

Much appreciated, your advice is a lifeline when I feel lost at sea.