Quarantine tank question

[Juice780]

I am setting up a quarantine tank and I was wondering what y’all use for beneficial bacteria? Does it need to cycle like a normal tank? I have watched a few videos on the subject and am confused on these issues.

 

[Billldg]

I have always set up my QT tanks roughly a week out and then use Biospera and some Dr Tims liquid ammonia, I pour the biospera in and add a couple ml of ammonia concentrate to the tank to allow the bacteria to feed. Read the instructions on the ammonia concentrate and add enough to get it to .2 ppm. I also use a foam filter attached to the pump to give the bacteria an area to grow. I make sure the ammonia is down to 0 before adding fish.

 

[64Ivy]

As I usually sterilize my QT’s after a fish passes through, I have to cycle like new. I have tried bottled bacteria in the past but I’ll most often just toss in a piece of shrimp and go ol’ school. Takes 4-6 weeks.

 

[jasonrusso]

I keep some ceramic media and foam filters in my DT sump. When I set up the QT, I put the foam filter in and put some of the ceramic media in the HOB.

I've never been able to establish a bacteria colony when medication is in the water

 

[Juice780]

So what do you do if the ammonia spikes while you have a fish in the qt

 

[jasonrusso]

So what do you do if the ammonia spikes while you have a fish in the qt

It shouldn't, but if it does I use a bit of Prime.

 

[joe0813]

water change and match copper if you're using copper. if you're doing the TTM then you shouldn't have to deal with ammonia