QT Cycling Question

[spound]

I know this is probably a dumb newbie question, but.....
If the "good" nitrifying and other bacteria that are present after the cycle is complete dont reside in the water column, but in the live rock and substrate. Why can't you just have lets say 3# of live rock from an established healthy tank in a small 2 gallon QT, with no substrate, a small filter and heater with fresh sea water and be good to go? Shouldn't the bacteria that inhabit the live rock be enough to handle any very small amounts of ammonia and nitrites that a nano fish or a few frags would release?
Yes on the frequent water changes regardless....

 

[TX_REEF]

2 gallons is too small in my opinion to maintain stable parameters and provide fish with appropriate space to be comfortable while in QT. You can certainly use cycled mature rock in an appropriately-size QT.

 

[brandon429]

The problem is meds bind to rock

The described setup works for observational setups but not medicated ones

 

[spound]

Dealing with an algae outbreak and wanted to move some coral out while I cleaned it up over a few days.

 

[Reefering1]

For best advice, share white light pics and give details about tank

 

[EeyoreIsMySpiritAnimal]

I know this is probably a dumb newbie question, but.....
If the "good" nitrifying and other bacteria that are present after the cycle is complete dont reside in the water column, but in the live rock and substrate. Why can't you just have lets say 3# of live rock from an established healthy tank in a small 2 gallon QT, with no substrate, a small filter and heater with fresh sea water and be good to go? Shouldn't the bacteria that inhabit the live rock be enough to handle any very small amounts of ammonia and nitrites that a nano fish or a few frags would release?
Yes on the frequent water changes regardless....

Correct.
(Except: the bacteria you're worried about don't do anything to nitrATE, and corals don't produce ammo or nitrate, they consume it.)