Qt

Mmsetta · Jun 11, 2014

Questions on setting up qt. I want to prepare for a new addition. I am in not hurry so I want to set up a cycled qt for its first month or so.

1. I have a sponge from a hot magnum I use in the dt. But, I ring this with ro water weekly. Will this be something I can use for seeding the qt

2. Should I put a piece of live rock in the qt to seed it?

3. In the past I've used only PVC in the qt for a hiding spot since rock would absorbs any meds. But, how do I creAte good bacteria if I have nothing to seed(ie. rock)?

Want to be sure these fish are safe and sound before adding to dt. Want qt cycled to prevent stress.

Any advice would be great!

ReefMadScientist · Jun 11, 2014

There are many great threads on this topic all over but I will answer your question.

For a QT your sponge filter should be matured (weeks in the sump). That should have an air supply to help the bacteria. An Overflow with/without carbon filters, heater, and a small powerhead is recommended.

I have used PVC pipe only before and it helps the fish hide when they are stressed and gives them a place to relax at first. I have used LR in the past and like using it in my QT. Sure, if you are using some sort of chemical such as prazipro or copper, it would contaminate that rock but it never killed my live rock. JUST DO NOT STICK AT ROCK BACK IN YOUR CORAL TANK.

Mmsetta · Jun 11, 2014

Makes sense

Dalmatia · Jun 11, 2014

Mmsetta said:
Questions on setting up qt. I want to prepare for a new addition. I am in not hurry so I want to set up a cycled qt for its first month or so.

1. I have a sponge from a hot magnum I use in the dt. But, I ring this with ro water weekly. Will this be something I can use for seeding the qt

2. Should I put a piece of live rock in the qt to seed it?

3. In the past I've used only PVC in the qt for a hiding spot since rock would absorbs any meds. But, how do I creAte good bacteria if I have nothing to seed(ie. rock)?

Want to be sure these fish are safe and sound before adding to dt. Want qt cycled to prevent stress.

Any advice would be great!

To Reefmad,, thumbs up all the way!!
It just depends on how much you want to qt? 1 fish?? Your fine with a filter that's had time to accumulate bb on it,, just as your new LR would that you'd cycle. The older the more bb it contains. With one fish and your cycled filter you should be ok.
If you plan on putting a bunch of fish in there your filter won't help as much as a water change will, just to keep the ammonia down. That can get expensive!
So if your gonna qt more than 3-4,,,20-30 fish,?,!?, LR and LS wouldn't be a bad idea. Just like "Mad" said,, don't use in your DT unless your remove the meds mechanically

ReefMadScientist · Jun 11, 2014

Dalmatia said:
To Reefmad,, thumbs up all the way!!
It just depends on how much you want to qt? 1 fish?? Your fine with a filter that's had time to accumulate bb on it,, just as your new LR would that you'd cycle. The older the more bb it contains. With one fish and your cycled filter you should be ok.
If you plan on putting a bunch of fish in there your filter won't help as much as a water change will, just to keep the ammonia down. That can get expensive!
So if your gonna qt more than 3-4,,,20-30 fish,?,!?, LR and LS wouldn't be a bad idea. Just like "Mad" said,, don't use in your DT unless your remove the meds mechanically

Thx!!

Oh OP! Go to a Petsmart or whatever you have and get one of those Ammonia circle readers you hang inside the tank. This will help you see any sudden changes.

Mmsetta · Jun 11, 2014

Cool. Now, what if I rinse the free weekly (to clean)? Doesn't that kill all the good bacteria? If so, how long should I keep the sponge in the cycled dt (without rinsi g) before it would be seeded enough to the
Seed the qt.

Also, will the good bacteria in the qt just be living on the sponge?

Mmsetta · Jun 11, 2014

Meant to say "rinse the sponge weekly", not "the free"

ReefMadScientist · Jun 11, 2014

Mmsetta said:
Cool. Now, what if I rinse the free weekly (to clean)? Doesn't that kill all the good bacteria? If so, how long should I keep the sponge in the cycled dt (without rinsi g) before it would be seeded enough to the
Seed the qt.

Also, will the good bacteria in the qt just be living on the sponge?

Do not rinse the sponge filter. As long as you have a healthy coral tank you should be fine with the filter.

I would just use LR as its easier.