How to keep a QT clean and manage nitrogen cycle with less work

[Patrick Cox]

I recently had to start a QT for my fish that were exposed to brook. I was not ready for this so I have been battling ammonia for a couple of weeks. Basically doing 75% water changes every day or two. This is a 20g long tank with a pair of anthias, a juvenile convict tang and a small diamond back goby. Fish seem to be doing ok and are eating but I am trying to make this easier on myself. So, I am looking for suggestions on keeping the tank clean to avoid some of the nitrogen cycle. My hand on back filter is not doing a very good job of removing fish waste and uneaten food. I did add a couple of pieces of live rock to the qt to get some beneficial bacteria going and I also added Dr Tims. However I still don't have ammonia under control with the nitrogen cycle. Only these water changes. So any suggestions will be appreciated as I have to leave the fish in this QT for 6-8 weeks while my display sits fallow.

Thanks!

 

[Dan_P]

I recently had to start a QT for my fish that were exposed to brook. I was not ready for this so I have been battling ammonia for a couple of weeks. Basically doing 75% water changes every day or two. This is a 20g long tank with a pair of anthias, a juvenile convict tang and a small diamond back goby. Fish seem to be doing ok and are eating but I am trying to make this easier on myself. So, I am looking for suggestions on keeping the tank clean to avoid some of the nitrogen cycle. My hand on back filter is not doing a very good job of removing fish waste and uneaten food. I did add a couple of pieces of live rock to the qt to get some beneficial bacteria going and I also added Dr Tims. However I still don't have ammonia under control with the nitrogen cycle. Only these water changes. So any suggestions will be appreciated as I have to leave the fish in this QT for 6-8 weeks while my display sits fallow.

Thanks!

Dr Tim’s can be slow to start. BioSpira or Fritz Turbo Start begin working immediately. You should not be having ammonia issues at this point. Is the QT overstocked maybe?

 

[Patrick Cox]

Dr Tim’s can be slow to start. BioSpira or Fritz Turbo Start begin working immediately. You should not be having ammonia issues at this point. Is the QT overstocked maybe?

I have had only a juvenile convict tang in the tank for the past week so I don’t think it was overstocked. I just ordered the Fritz so hopefully that will help. Thanks

 

[mikst]

I have had only a juvenile convict tang in the tank for the past week so I don’t think it was overstocked. I just ordered the Fritz so hopefully that will help. Thanks

Sorry you didn't get any more replies. looks like qt period is up, how are your fishies? Did you ever find an easier way to manage ammonia?