QT set up?

[saltwater newby]

hello
I have my first saltwater tank and right now it's been running since early January. I currently have no fish since my first 2 clowns only lasted 2 days. I believe marine velvet got to them. It's been running FISHLESS for about 2 weeks now. I only have 2 small GSP frags in it. I have a Red Sea reefer 350 73g with 18g sump a bubble magus 7 and gyre 130, dry rock40 pds and 30 pds of live rock and live sand. 2 Kessil 360we This is my first thread on here.
How do I set up a qt? I have a 30g with hob filter,heater and aerator. I know to use water from my display tank. But what goes in the hob? What else will I need for this process . I plan to use it both for new stock and hospital tank as well. If I get new fish, would an RO dip be a safe say to prevent infecting my main tank or is qt the safest way to go?? Thanks in advance.

 

[melypr1985]

Hi and welcome to R2R! Here is a good read on how to set up a proper QT. It sounds like your off to a great start.
http://reef2reef.com/threads/how-to-quarantine.189815/

To quickly sum up what your missing.... You'll need a bottled bacteria product and a simple sponge for the HOB filter. Also an ammonia alert badge and some PVC fittings for hiding places will do the trick. An RO dip will not do much to prevent parasites getting into your display. QT is the best way to assure success in this area.

 

[cameronh]

Welcome to reef2reef! ^ she ^ knows what's she is talking about

 

[Diesel]

Won't argue with @melypr1985 as she's only 3 hours away from me and I don't want trouble

 

[saltwater newby]

How much longer should I go with my FISHLESS tank? Considering I had either a marine velvet or brooklynella outbreak in the tank. I was planning in the time being to buy one or 2 more easy to keep corals. Is this an ok idea? My othe question concerning the qt is, how much of the dt water should I use for th qt or should I just buy new premixed water?

 

[Diesel]

Buy or mix new premixed water and cycle for a few days.

 

[saltwater newby]

Won't the cycle take at least 3-4 weeks??

 

[Diesel]

Correct but the QT doesn't have anything in there to cycle, no rock or sand.
Just a HOB filter and some PVC pipes as the fish can hide and feel secured so once a while.
You just have to do almost everyday a small WC to rid of the ammonia.

 

[saltwater newby]

Ok
I see.
Thank you !!

 

[kireek]

*Welcome to Reef2Reef @saltwaternoobie !* Good thing you have found R2R,you are getting some excellent advice.I hope you have the best of luck with your new aquarium!