QT question

[PhelpsTanks]

Not sure if this is in the right spot but... What size tank do you recommend for a QT? Also what kind of filtration? Could I just use a hob 3 stage filter and be ok? Just an FYI I'm working with a small budget.. maybe $200

~PhelpsTanks

 

[bct15]

I use a 10 gallon tank with a walmart hob filter and powersweep powerhead. The small size tank means I have to use less medication for the water volume. Typically when using medication you remove all forms of filtration anyway and only want surface disruption and good flow. You shouldnt have the fish in quarantine for any long period of time so a ten gallon is fine, granted you are not quarantining 37 new fish.

I believe a setup like this is under $100

 

[NanaReefer]

Remember most your hob filters come with premade filters which contain carbon. You'll want to stay away from carbon if medicating.

Look for used equipment! You should be able to keep it under $50

 

[PhelpsTanks]

So really you don't need a filter? When you transport to the QT do you just use 10g of tank water? I was gonna use the filter for post treatment to remove all the medications used. Would using new water each time be more benifical?

 

[bct15]

When I am filling my quarantine tank, I just do a water change on my display and use some of that water. A filter may be required depending on what you want to do, the hob filter I run the entire time, I just don't put any carbon bags in it when medicating. Mine is a 10 gallon starter kit from walmart that was about thirty dollars and then I just added the powersweep and a heater that I had laying around but you could use any sort of powerhead (just don't stick an mp60 in a ten gallon). The small tank is easy to setup and take down, and like I said requires very little medication to treat the fish.

 

[PhelpsTanks]

Awesome thanks for the info!

 

[daddyw2boysforsale]

How long on average do you guys QT your fish before putting in the display tank?

 

[Aquaph8]

I use a 20L tank with an aquaclear 30 hob pump. I seed a sponge in my sump to get it started and always have an extra one in there incase I need it. With my seeded sponge I can tear down and set up the tank whenever I need to. I also like the aquaclear cause you can buy little bags of carbon and sponges that fit perfect in 3 packs. I normally just run the sponge for biological filtration while using meds and carbon too when not medicating. Saltwater alone will not supply you any biological filtration wether its from your display or not, I would worry about ammonia without the sponge. With Petco's $1 a gallon sales and a cheap T5 light off ebay, this setup is really cheap and works great. The 20L is fine for most fish but to be completely honest I would rather have a 30 or 40 if I had more space. HTH

 

[Aquaph8]

How long on average do you guys QT your fish before putting in the display tank?

8 weeks or longer if I feel they're not eating well enough to survive while in competion for food. Keep in mind QT has a lot more advantages than just disease treatment. I found fish do a lot better when they have time to themselves to recoup after all they've been though with collection and shipping.

 

[PhelpsTanks]

Do you have a sandbed? Or is it bare for easy teardown and setup?

~PhelpsTanks

 

[Aquaph8]

Its bare bottom. Sand and live rock tend to pull your meds out of the water. I just use large PVC elbows and a fresh water decoration for hiding spots.

 

[PhelpsTanks]

Ah ok, makes sense.. since I have a 54g corner and won't be getting any large fish, do you think I can get by on a 10g? Or would the extra space on a 20l be better?

~PhelpsTanks

 

[Aquaph8]

I would do a 20. A 20 tall would take up less space.

 

[NanaReefer]

Bare bottom for sure. 8wks is a bit on the long side. You should know the health of the fish/coral within 2-3wks. If you have the room you may want to consider leaving it up. Not only for QT but also for a hospital tank just in case.