Quarantine Tank Question

DalPal25 · Jun 23, 2016

Hi guys, I'm starting my QT and I have a 29 gal set up with rock substrate, decorations, a Whisper filter and two corner filters and a heater. Yes, I know it's a little bigger than what's expected of a QT and I know it obviously doesn't need the substrate or anything but it's already set up from when it used to be my freshwater guppy breeding tank. Assuming that I clean it out and change it to saltwater, would this work as a QT? I've read a lot of books that say I need just a sponge filter, heater and some hiding places but would the whisper HOB filter do the same job as a sponge? I'm sorry if this is a stupid question, I'm new to saltwater tanks and want to do everything correctly. Thanks!

Alanc425 · Jun 24, 2016

Hi! First of all, I want to commend you for making the smart decision to quarantine. Bigger isn't bad when it comes to a QT, this will work great

The HOB will do the same job a sponge filter, depending on the type of HOB you have....keep extra filter pads/biowheels in your DT sump and just pop them in whenever you have a fish to QT (instant bacteria cycle).

I would remove the substrate and decorations, they can cause issues with absorbing certain medicines, and a bare bottom will be easier to clean.

PVC works great as a hiding space.

@Humblefish covers this and much more http://reef2reef.com/threads/how-to-quarantine.189815/

I'd recommend reading his other guides as well to prepare yourself for any fish issues that might arise, we are all here to help!

4FordFamily · Jun 24, 2016

Bigger is better, IMO. For my two 180 gallon and one 125 gallon tanks I employ a 55 gallon quarantine. It's been chock blocked before many times requiring frequent water changes!

Of course it means you'll need to dose a lot of meds so it isn't a bad idea to have a small hospital tank for expensive meds and fish that need specific meds. I plan to set up a 10-20 gal also.

Anyway, HOB filters work well for QT. I would remove much of the rock as it absorbs meds. Use PVC as much as possible. Get it running and cycling with a piece of shrimp ASAP and invest in the ammonia badge by sea chem