OT tank ?s

[GratefulReef]

Ok what exactly should I use for a QT tank? I have a space available for anything up to a standard 55 but would rather go with something smaller. what type of equipment does it need? I have a uv sterilizer laying around that I wont put on my DT so maybe I can use it for that? i assume I need a filter of some type and a powerhead? will i also need a skimmer or a sump?

 

[Loki]

QT's need to be as simple as possible. It depends on how big of fish you want to keep. I use a 28g bowfront for my QT I only have a HOB filter and some T5's.

I keep it simple because I have to empty it our after each use and I also throw everything that was used if a sick/medicated fish was in there.

If you are planning on using it for a few tangs it would be different. They still need a place big enough for them. So you have to find the happy median between easy to care for and big enough for fish.

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

Here is an excerpt from a sticky I was working on:

Now you have decided to quarantine - what equipment is needed?

Tank:

The first thing that is needed is a tank. Now, the tank does not have to be large. It all depends on the size of the specimens that you are quarantining. If you have a large tank and get large fish, then go at least a 40 breeder. If you are quarantining smaller fish like clowns or firefish, then get a smaller tank. I recommend a 20 long as a good quarantine tank. However, the tank does not necessarily have to be a fish tank. It can be a Rubbermaid container (food grade quality). The key is that you need to be able to clearly see the fish to be able to observe it for any signs of disease. This would be difficult to do with a rubbermaid container.

Filtration:

I would recommend a hang on back filter or even a canister filter if it is available. I find it best to use a filter that is rated at least double the size of the tank. For example, your tank is 20 gallons therefore I would get a filter rated for 40 gallons. During the quarantine period, it is acceptable to run carbon. If at any point you need to medicate the tank, remove the carbon. Carbon will absorb the medication making the treatment useless.

Heaters:

An appropriately sized heater for the tank is recommended. You want to replicate the same temp for the quarantine as you would the DT. This will help make the transition to the DT a little smoother.

Light:

I recommend having a light for the tank. This will make it easier for you to see the fish.

Magnifying Glass:

This will make it easier for you to see parasites on the fish.

 

[GratefulReef]

thanks! i have never had the need for a QT tank as everything ive bought was off a very good friend of mine, but unfortunatly that friend is moving south and wont be around anymore. so i feel like now is the time to get a QT tank going. would a UV be a good idea on a QT tank? ive got a maxitwist 9w from coralife would this limit the tank size to something around 40g or could i still go with like a 20L? i have one of those iron stands for my freshwater that holds 2 tanks, so i want to utilize that avail space for my QT tank, and want somthing that goes in and comes out easily if i need to empty water and stuff. i have plenty of filters laying around i can use, have a light i can make use of for it and heater, basically have all i need except the glass.

 

[SeahorseKeeper]

You can use the UV sterilizer. Personally, I am not a believer in UV sterilizers. I think you will be better served by QT'ing the critters properly.

 

[GratefulReef]

gotcha, like i say i wont put on my DT and its just laying around maybe i'll try to trade it for something at my LFS.. going to start working on a QT tank asap