How long is too long?

[Huff747]

So I've been working on building my first saltwater setup (40 gallon breeder with 20L sump). So far I have drilled the tank, built the stand, plumbed everything, and it's been running a leak test in the garage for the last 24 hours. Yesterday I got in 40lbs of reef saver rock, and an RODI unit and started making water. I have the rock curing now in a big rubbermaid with saltwater, heater, and pump. Still waiting on the glass shop to make my baffles.

My main question is since I'm now making water should I go ahead and setup my QT tank? If I'm reading everything correctly I'm a month away from being done with curing the rock, at which time I'd actually aquascape and fill my DT to start the cycle. If I were to setup my QT tank now and get it to cycle I figure I could then pick up the first inhabitant(s) and start the QT process. I was thinking of starting with a couple clown fish.

• If I setup my QT now is there such a thing as too long for the clowns to be in there as I'm a month from even starting to fill the DT, let alone when it finishes cycling?
• If I were to get both clowns from a LFS, can I quarantine them together?
• Do I have to medicate or can I more observe and do a freshwater dip?
• Or are 2 clowns to start too much for my tank?
• If I decide to pick up a bit more rock and drop it in with the rest do I restart the curing time as well? I got 3 really big pieces and one medium piece so may get another 10-15 lbs and ask for some medium to small pieces.
• One thing I haven't figured out quite yet on a QT tank that I was planning to setup bare bottom with some PVC fixtures for hiding places, do I cycle that with the Ammonium Chloride I picked up as well? Does the PVC and such provide the surface area for bacteria or is it more about the water changes in a small QT tank.

Random frustration: The entire substrate debate is very confusing. One of the LFS has some very nice BB tanks, but on my 40Breeder I couldn't get the stupid inspection tags to come off and I think seeing those would drive me nuts so I'm probably going with some sand but the sheer number of options (brands/sizes/colors) is staggering.

Last question - Anybody have any good advice on making or know where to find cabinet doors? That's the last thing I really need on the stand.

 

[jrwoltman]

Clowns are hardy and a great start for your tank. If they are the same size, you should have no problem QTing them together. As long as your QT water quality is good, there is no too long to house them in there. DO NOT medicate or dip them in anything, you should only do that if they are ill. If you add more large rocks, it will create another mini cycle. I would add anything to the QT tank, the clowns' waste will produce enough ammonia, just keep up on water changes to keep them well. PVC is a good idea for hiding place, especially if one clown is overly aggressive. Good luck with everything!!!

Jim

 

[keddre]

QT too long?: Depends on how big your quarantine tank is, if it's 10+ gallons they should be fine for a while; it will probably be larger than the fish store's anyway

QT PVC surface area?: If you go with the PVC pipe the bacteria could settle, but not much. A nice alternative could be a small Live Rock Cave. It gives the fish a place to hide and room for bacteria to cycle

Bare Bottom: If you go BB, you could put the rock-work over the inspection stickers; plus with time, coraline or algae will cover it up.

Sand: Personal choice on which, if any, you use. I would decide how much time you are able to put in for maintenance; long job?, work unexpected weekends?, kids on the way?, etc...

Curing: Idk, never done it but I would imagine so

Cabinet Doors: plywood, white paint, small hinges and some handles. No more than $15 at Home Depot

 

[cmcoker]

Put a hob filter on the qt with a sponge in it. The bacteria can colonize there.
Good job on planning out the quarantine and protecting your livestock.
You can cycle the qt, add some bacteria in a bottle to your sponge and a little ammonia and let it cycle so you don't have to worry about ammonia toxicity. You can just observe the fish but have medications on hand so your not scrambling if something pops up. For clowns, I'd have at least metroplex handy, as well as copper and some acriflavine. I personally treat prophylacticly.

I like tropics Eden meso flakes for sand, uniform size, doesn't get blown around, looks good to me.

 

[Huff747]

Thanks for the replies.

For the QT tank I do have a HOB filter as well as a bubbler. The filter cartridge does have activated carbon but I believe I read that is acceptable so long as I pull them out if I do need to medicate. I figured if I need to medicate I could use one of those cut to size filters. Is that correct, or should I just get the cut to size one from the start?

Based on what I've read I've been looking at the Eden Reefflakes and the Caribsea Aragonite Special Grade, both dry but I've also changed my mind about 100 times so far as I read different posts, which is why I have virtually everything but the sand on hand now.

 

[keddre]

Thanks for the replies.

For the QT tank I do have a HOB filter as well as a bubbler. The filter cartridge does have activated carbon but I believe I read that is acceptable so long as I pull them out if I do need to medicate. I figured if I need to medicate I could use one of those cut to size filters. Is that correct, or should I just get the cut to size one from the start?

Based on what I've read I've been looking at the Eden Reefflakes and the Caribsea Aragonite Special Grade, both dry but I've also changed my mind about 100 times so far as I read different posts, which is why I have virtually everything but the sand on hand now.

My personal opinion...Cut to size from start. With those all-in-one cartridges you "completely" lose your bacteria when you replace it

 

[Huff747]

My personal opinion...Cut to size from start. With those all-in-one cartridges you "completely" lose your bacteria when you replace it

Thanks. Added to my ever growing shopping list.