Quarantine System Questions

[nickkohrn]

I have my main aquarium system in the first-floor den of our three-floor apartment. The room measures 8'6" x 12'6", but the usable space for an aquarium is smaller. That's where my questions begin.

Firstly, I have read that quarantine systems should be (I think) 10' away from main systems to prevent contamination. As you can see, I am limited on space. Is that measurement simply a suggestion, or is it well-established that a distance of 10' is absolutely necessary? I ask because I doubt that all quarantine systems are that far away from all main systems, and I want to do what is best for setting up a quarantine system while not upsetting my wife with the entry to our apartment being strewn with aquariums, equipment, and wires.

Secondly, the quarantine system will be set up for use and stored away when not in use. I have been struggling with the decision of purchasing equipment for it that can be controlled by the Apex that controls my main system. For example, a PM1 module to monitor temperature, an ATK for automatic top-offs, and a conductivity probe. Normally, I wouldn't spend my money on those items for a quarantine system; instead, I would purchase a standalone ATO system, and a simple thermometer. However, my wife and I will be purchasing a house within the next couple of years, and I will be upgrading my current aquarium to a larger one, allowing me to have more space dedicated to the hobby. Having a quarantine system controlled by my Apex would allow me to easily keep the system running at all times so that it can be quickly used in the event of a disease outbreak. I also love the thought of being able to monitor everything on the quarantine system as easily as I can with my main system. I am not opposed to standalone equipment for my quarantine system; using Apex-integrated equipment would require the quarantine system to be closer to the main system, though. If I use standalone equipment, I can put the quarantine system further away form the main system, but not at a distance of 10'. Regardless of what configuration I use, the quarantine system will be within 10' to the main system, so should I just spring for the equipment that would integrate more nicely with my Apex?

 

[Spar]

The 10' recommendation comes from a lab showing that velvet transferred via aerosol up to 10' between water sources. The catch here is that there was a fan pointed over the water (with velvet) toward the other water source. I.e. artificially forcing the aerosol in larger quantities a longer distance. This isn't to say that it isn't possible for this to happen via other airflows, but my personal opinion is that if the airflow is relatively slow and steady in your fish room then you shouldn't have the same effect. But if you have air vents or fans in the room, you may want to reconsider.

You will also want to make sure that any bursting air bubbles at the top of the water is adequately covered to ensure the splashing doesn't make it to your display tank. In my view this is the most logical way that it can spread between tanks. Those little water bursts can travel a ridiculous long space.

My QT is only 5-6 feet away from my Display and just have to do my best to avoid all this. No other option for me.

I have a separate PM Module that controls my QT. Just make sure to get an additional temperature (or other if you use them) probe if you plan to do any TTM as part of your QT method. Don't bother with the pH, ORP or salinity probes in a QT system though. Temperature is all you need, even if curious it is just unnecessary.

 

[nickkohrn]

The 10' recommendation comes from a lab showing that velvet transferred via aerosol up to 10' between water sources. The catch here is that there was a fan pointed over the water (with velvet) toward the other water source. I.e. artificially forcing the aerosol in larger quantities a longer distance. This isn't to say that it isn't possible for this to happen via other airflows, but my personal opinion is that if the airflow is relatively slow and steady in your fish room then you shouldn't have the same effect. But if you have air vents or fans in the room, you may want to reconsider.

You will also want to make sure that any bursting air bubbles at the top of the water is adequately covered to ensure the splashing doesn't make it to your display tank. In my view this is the most logical way that it can spread between tanks. Those little water bursts can travel a ridiculous long space.

My QT is only 5-6 feet away from my Display and just have to do my best to avoid all this. No other option for me.

I have a separate PM Module that controls my QT. Just make sure to get an additional temperature (or other if you use them) probe if you plan to do any TTM as part of your QT method. Don't bother with the pH, ORP or salinity probes in a QT system though. Temperature is all you need, even if curious it is just unnecessary.

I think that I will just grab a Tunze nano ATO and use a Cobalt heater since I have a couple of those. Since there are in-ceiling air vents in that room, as well as windows that we open when the temperature is comfortable, I would rather keep my QT as far across the room as I can from my main display, so using standalone equipment is likely how I will proceed for now.

Thank you!

 

[vetteguy53081]

I think that I will just grab a Tunze nano ATO and use a Cobalt heater since I have a couple of those. Since there are in-ceiling air vents in that room, as well as windows that we open when the temperature is comfortable, I would rather keep my QT as far across the room as I can from my main display, so using standalone equipment is likely how I will proceed for now.

Thank you!

This would be the better option IMO