Fisrt QT Tank - quick questions

BantyRooster97 · Feb 22, 2020

So my main tank has been running for years, but I want to add some new fish; so I am going to be very cautious.

I have a 20gl, several 10g, a 40g Breeder.... whats best?

I was going to use the 20gL long for a QT & medicate per Humblefish's guide. Then get a second 20gl as an observation tank after (w/black mollies).

Question is, what HOB (sized to fit or over sized) for QT? Do I keep the simple carbon filter, toss it, add in some kind of ceramic media?
Do I need a power head? Once I dose copper, I assume it will only be used for QT going forward.

Other things I know I need: heater, lid, pvc elbows, thermometer, ammonia badge, and of course meds.

Anything else?

Reefer40b · Feb 22, 2020

depending on how many fish you are QTing at a time will determine tank size, if it was me just make the 40b your qt tank. Bigger will hold water quality better. You can add media seeded from your main tank, like a sponge, bio-balls, ceramic etc

HOB I usually use a an oversized one.

BantyRooster97 · Feb 22, 2020

40B will also take more meds, which is why I was thinking 20L. I'll probably only get 2-3 fish, not a ton.

Big G · Feb 22, 2020

+1 ^^^ The 40 works better for fish that need swimming room to "relax" and lower stress. Like medium to large tangs, butterflies, etc.

The 20 is my usual QT. Paint the back and end walls blue or black to create a "cave like" environment to help the fish relax. PVC pipes and a few plastic aquarium plants. I use Aquaclear 70s on my 20 gal QTs. Powerhead, foam bubble filter. I keep the foam pads from the filters in my sump soaking for easy and quick use as needed. And I keep a mesh bag of either Seachem Matrix or Fluval Biomax in the sump also soaking, at all times. Really helps. I seldom to water changes in QT other than removing fish waste, left over food.

You can clean a tank and equipment to remove copper by washing with vinegar. It precipitates the copper into a harmless form. Wash, rinse, rinse, rinse, and completely dry. But just to be sure, I tend to only use the copper tank for fish, even after washing.