Observational QT

[Charlie G]

I am new to the hobby (about 6 months). Over time lose my 2 clowns (at different times). Not sure why. Parameters we fine. Ammonia and nitrite 0. Only left with royal gramma. It’s been 3 months and have not introduced any fish yet. I have a 32 g Biocube. It was cycled early in the year. Royal gramma thriving well. It’s probably been 3-4 months and seems fine. I didn’t notice any signs of disease and as mentioned the royal gramma thriving.

I wanted to start an observational qt with a 10 gallon tank I have. Want to keep it simple as I am new. Just don’t want to introduce anything into my DT. I did watch a BRSTV beginner video (Matthew) describing a noncylcled qt for which water changes should be performed when ammonia levels rise. My question is if the qt will not be medicated anything wrong with putting some rock or sponge and bacteria and cycling to help keep the ammonia in check and avoiding potentially harming the fish?

 

[Spare time]

May I try to convince you to run a medicated qt? 30-45 day long QT beats the fish dying or a parasite making it into the display before you notice.

If its not medicated, you can put rock in. Even if its medicated, you can put biosponges and bacteria like normal.

 

[chimbo84]

I highly suggest a copper QT at a minimum. What I did was buy a bulk lot of the plastic bioballs and a big mesh sack. I keep them in my sump and when I want to start up my QT, I grab a handful and throw them in the second chamber of my Fluval Evo that I use for this purpose. When I’m done with the QT, I just throw them away. Rinse and repeat. Never had any issues with ammonia.

 

[Charlie G]

I actually purchased thebbioballs with the mesh. How long would you keep it in your dump or DT before you think ready to use? Do you add more bacteria (like Dr. Tim’s) in addition to the the plastic bioballs that were in the sump when you add the fish?

I also purchased copper power. How would you treat with copper? I’m worried about the toxicity?

also if the lfs hols for a couple of weeks would you still treat with copper?

thanka in advance.

 

[Charlie G]

I actually purchased thebbioballs with the mesh. How long would you keep it in your dump or DT before you think ready to use? Do you add more bacteria (like Dr. Tim’s) in addition to the the plastic bioballs that were in the sump when you add the fish?

I also purchased copper power. How would you treat with copper? I’m worried about the toxicity?

also if the lfs hols for a couple of weeks would you still treat with copper?

thanka in advance.

 

[Charlie G]

Sorry for any typos

 

[chimbo84]

I actually purchased thebbioballs with the mesh. How long would you keep it in your dump or DT before you think ready to use? Do you add more bacteria (like Dr. Tim’s) in addition to the the plastic bioballs that were in the sump when you add the fish?

I also purchased copper power. How would you treat with copper? I’m worried about the toxicity?

also if the lfs hols for a couple of weeks would you still treat with copper?

thanka in advance.

You should probably have them in your sump for at least a couple weeks, I can’t say exactly but you want to give them time to build up a biofilm.

BRSTV recently did an excellent QT series that you should check out. Link Here. Go to 8:59 for the info about copper.

That video explains why a few weeks of holding at your LFS does not qualify as QT and why you should still treat new additions.

 

[Charlie G]

Will check it out.
thank you.