Hippo tang QT

Jonesyg · May 9, 2020

I have a hippo tang which has been in QT tank (200L) for a week, I have noticed the nitrites creeping up to 0.2ppm (ammonia 0.002ppm,nitrates 5ppm) it feels like the tank is having a mini cycle. I added live rock to the QT tank before the tang was added and have had fish in this QT tank before with no problems. I have added filter media from my DT. The tang has been copper treated at my lfs and was at my lfs for 2-3 months before i took him home.

My question is am i better moving the tang to my DT early or do i keep him in the QT tank even if a mini cycle is occurring? I have seneye hooked up to monitor for ammonia spikes. I was planning 4 weeks observation with no medication, copper treatment is not available to buy privately here.

Any opinions welcome, thanks in advance!

nereefpat · May 9, 2020

I wouldn't sweat the nitrites unless they get much higher, as they aren't very toxic in saltwater. And the ammonia level is essentially zero. I would leave the fish in QT, and check levels daily.

andrewey · May 9, 2020

Tangs produce a ton of waste- it could be that it's a bit more ammonia then your LR can process at this moment. I personally wouldn't sweat it, but would monitor it closely. Your QT will likely catch up and in the meantime if it keeps creeping up (at least your ammonia), you can always perform more frequent water changes on the QT. I wouldn't rush the QT, especially with an ich magnet like the hippo!

Uncle99 · May 9, 2020

Can’t you just change out some water?
I don’t cycle my QT, I just change out 15-20% water every second day and vacuum up any crap on the bottom.
When fish are at my LFS for a month or so, I only QT them for 14 days, then if there has been absolutely no problems, in they go.
Only when I get fish that I know nothing about the source, do I go 30 days.

Jonesyg · May 9, 2020

I have done water changes every other day will just keep an eye on thing and see how it goes, thanks. Yeah the dreaded ich is my only worry about going to the DT early.

Rmckoy · May 9, 2020

In a qt
When setting them up .
After medicating , I’ve always tested and did large water changes every day to keep ammonia down .
Water change , dose and repeat daily