QT set up question

DiverGirl82 · Oct 7, 2015

I've got the filter pad for my QT "marinating" in my sump. Once I fill up the QT and put the filter pad in it should be good to go right? It doesn't need to go through the long cycle process that the main DT does right? The tank will be empty with just some pvc.

adritank · Oct 7, 2015

I think your tank does have to go through a cycle.. youre still going to get ammonia nitrite nitrate.. the filter pad just boosts the cycling process..

its kind of like adding already live rock to a new tank. it basically seeds the tank

RMS18 · Oct 7, 2015

Yes it will have to cycle... are you planning on keeping this tank running or is it just for a temporary qt? If it is temporary you will need to do multiple water changes a week to keep ammonia levels down while you treat the fish.

DiverGirl82 · Oct 7, 2015

It'll just be for QT. Once everybody is healthy and into the DT I'll break it down. The only place I have to put it for now is on my dining table.

RMS18 · Oct 7, 2015

Ok so your treating some sick fish... so yes you will need multiple water changes a week. I would get an ammonia badge and a a air stone. I am 51 days into a 72 day treatment for ich. I do a 20% water change every 2 days. The tank will not be cycled. Not sure what your treating them for but some medicines will give you false ammonia test results, hence the ammonia badge.

DiverGirl82 · Oct 7, 2015

Bmwm235i said:
Ok so your treating some sick fish... so yes you will need multiple water changes a week. I would get an ammonia badge and a a air stone. I am 51 days into a 72 day treatment for ich. I do a 20% water change every 2 days. The tank will not be cycled. Not sure what your treating them for but some medicines will give you false ammonia test results, hence the ammonia badge.

Oh no I'm sorry I didn't explain well. It's for quarantining some new fish before they go into the display. But I do plan on treating prophylactily just in case. I guess I will have to keep it up and running till I've got all my fish. But I figured, because of the meds, I would need to break it down and make fresh water between each new fish.