Sgt Jonny
Active Member
Hello all, I just wanted to give my take on how to set up a QT (in my opinion a very important part of this hobby
So, like I said, the quarantine tank is one of the most important things you can do in this hobby. Trust me, I learned the hard way as I did not quarantine in the beginning. A QT does not need to be a complex issue. I use a 10 gallon tank, a simple HOB filter, a cheap Petco power head for circulation and aeration, a heater, thermometer and a Seachem ammonia alert badge. That's basically all you need. There's no need for a light as the fish will be able to relax a bit easier without a light in the tank. Ambient room light is plenty for him (some people paint the sides and back of the tank black). I would suggest a cover of some sort to prevent jumps. No sand, no live rock. Ich can exist in the sand bed, and live rock will absorb any copper treatment you add, causing problems going forward. The only items I have in my tank are a couple of 2 inch PVC elbows for the fish to hide in. That's about it. I subscribe to the K.I.S.S method (Keep It Simple, Stupid)
When I add a new fish, I let him relax for about a week, and see if I can get him to start eating regularly. Once he starts eating, I'll treat him with Prazi-Pro as a preventative measure, and I only treat Copper if I see signs of ich on the fish. Run the Prazi Pro for 2 weeks then add activated carbon and change your water to clean the meds out of the water. Let him chill for another 2-3 weeks to make sure he does not show any signs of disease, and he's eating and acting normal. After about 4-6 weeks, If he's healthy, add him to your display.
That's about all you need, its pretty inexpensive especially if you wait for a $1.00 per gallon sale at Petco. I hope this helps....
So, like I said, the quarantine tank is one of the most important things you can do in this hobby. Trust me, I learned the hard way as I did not quarantine in the beginning. A QT does not need to be a complex issue. I use a 10 gallon tank, a simple HOB filter, a cheap Petco power head for circulation and aeration, a heater, thermometer and a Seachem ammonia alert badge. That's basically all you need. There's no need for a light as the fish will be able to relax a bit easier without a light in the tank. Ambient room light is plenty for him (some people paint the sides and back of the tank black). I would suggest a cover of some sort to prevent jumps. No sand, no live rock. Ich can exist in the sand bed, and live rock will absorb any copper treatment you add, causing problems going forward. The only items I have in my tank are a couple of 2 inch PVC elbows for the fish to hide in. That's about it. I subscribe to the K.I.S.S method (Keep It Simple, Stupid)
When I add a new fish, I let him relax for about a week, and see if I can get him to start eating regularly. Once he starts eating, I'll treat him with Prazi-Pro as a preventative measure, and I only treat Copper if I see signs of ich on the fish. Run the Prazi Pro for 2 weeks then add activated carbon and change your water to clean the meds out of the water. Let him chill for another 2-3 weeks to make sure he does not show any signs of disease, and he's eating and acting normal. After about 4-6 weeks, If he's healthy, add him to your display.
That's about all you need, its pretty inexpensive especially if you wait for a $1.00 per gallon sale at Petco. I hope this helps....
