Quarantine/Hospital Tank Question

[40Gallon]

I'm going to set up a 10 gallon Quarantine tank for my 4o Breeder DT, Do you always run that Hospital tank even when there isn't any livestock in it & you don't think you'll need it for a while?

Could I get away with a 5 gallon hospital tank?-I don't have large size fish

 

[143MPCo]

@Humblefish @melypr1985

 

[Naiad]

There are two different ways of doing things and a lot depends on resources. You do not need to keep a qt tank up and running if it is not going to be in use. Just keep a sponge from whatever type of filter you plan to use tucked away in the dt.

Now if money/time/space is of no concern to you having a qt up 24/7 isn't bad. Just consider that if you don't give the tank waste of some sort it won't stay cycled. Now there are certain fish that require a qt that has been set up and allowed to mature for various reasons should you want to qt these fish.

What type of fish are you looking to qt? The smaller the tank the faster it will foul no matter if it is cycled or not so keep that in mind.

 

[Brian Kim]

I don't think you should be running it 24/7 if you are not planning on adding any new livestock. I would suggest having an extra filter media on your DT and use that when you need an emergency hospital tank

 

[Brian Kim]

I would recommend a 20 gallon long for some large 2"+ fishes and 5 gallon for smaller ones

 

[Humblefish]

I never leave my QTs up & running. I clean/sterilize them in-between batches of fish. As mentioned above, the important thing is to always have bio-media going down in your DT's sump so you have a working bio-filter ready anytime you want to QT. This article discusses in more detail under "Ammonia control": https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/how-to-quarantine.189815/

If you plan to only QT small fish, tank transfer method might be an option to consider: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/tank-transfer-method.192655/

 

[melypr1985]

I never leave my QTs up & running. I clean/sterilize them in-between batches of fish. As mentioned above, the important thing is to always have bio-media going down in your DT's sump so you have a working bio-filter ready anytime you want to QT. This article discusses in more detail under "Ammonia control": https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/how-to-quarantine.189815/

If you plan to only QT small fish, tank transfer method might be an option to consider: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/tank-transfer-method.192655/

^^ this. I also plan to break down my QT when the fish are through it. I'll clean it and set it back up for the next batch.

 

[40Gallon]

Thanks all for the great feedback. I set up my Nanocube 12dx & have 4 fish in it(2 clowns, coral beauty & a pomachromis), treating w cupramine as I'm batting velvet, got on it quick so hopefully it will be a successful battle. What a pita getting those fish out of that tank. Had to actually tank some rockwork out.

So is it 6-7 weeks fallow?

There are just snails, crabs & shrimp in the DT now would dosing Prazipro there be worth anything or just let it sit?

 

[Brian Kim]

76 days fallow and just let it sit

 

[melypr1985]

It's 6 weeks for velvet, but 76 to be safe. Prazi wont do much for the DT in this situation. The snails, hermits and shrimp will be just fine in there for the fallow period. Just be sure to feed them every couple days.

 

[Humblefish]

So is it 6-7 weeks fallow?

6 weeks fallow for velvet, but 76 days if you want to play it safe as that should starve all diseases out of your tank (including ich.)

There are just snails, crabs & shrimp in the DT now would dosing Prazipro there be worth anything or just let it sit?

No reason to dose Prazi in your DT as any parasitic worms will be gone after 4 weeks fallow. However, you might want to use Prazi in the QT after treatment for velvet is done.

 

[40Gallon]

OK will Prazi after battle with velvet is complete. Thanks again all. 76 days is a long time but I understand. Better safe than sorry.

 

[40Gallon]

Where did 76 days come from? How come not 75 or 77 lol

 

[40Gallon]

OK I just read why 76 days.

 

[40Gallon]

That's for Ich though. I have some kick ich(reef safe), I've used it in the past with success believe it or not. Maybe use that in the DT?

 

[Humblefish]

That's for Ich though. I have some kick ich(reef safe), I've used it in the past with success believe it or not. Maybe use that in the DT?

Kick Ich will not eradicate Cryptocaryon; it may (or may not) help your fish manage the presence of the parasites. These are the tried & true methods for eradicating Cryptocaryon: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/how-to-treat-ich.191226/

 

[melypr1985]

OK will Prazi after battle with velvet is complete. Thanks again all. 76 days is a long time but I understand. Better safe than sorry.

It is better safe than sorry. I just went through the 76 days and honestly it starts to fly by after you get past the cycling process and constant water changes.

 

[Aruna]

Do I need specific size for quarantine tank.the biggest fish i may have is fox face fish.
My aquarium Shop keeper was telling me to buy 2 feet length tank. I have space constraints also.

 

[rayn]

A 20 is generally big enough. Now if your fish is full grown and 8-10" then it may not be.

I prefer the 20 long over the tall just for more swimming room.

 

[Humblefish]

You could probably get away with just a 10 gal if doing TTM: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/tank-transfer-method.192655/

You would actually need two of everything, but the one not in use could just be stored away.