quarantine tank

[sbazain]

going to build my first quarantine tank have some questions 1. do you use the same water as the DT 2. do you need a filter for water movement 3. how long do you keep the fish how many fish at one time and once your done and move the fish to the DT what do you do with the tank.

 

[tyler1503]

When you do a water change on the DT use that old water to fill the QT if it has acceptable parameters.
You will need some kind of water movement and biological bacteria unless you want to do daily water changes. I recommend leaving a bag of filter media in the sump or DT so it grows the good bacteria, then put that into a HOB filter. Make sure you don't re use the media if you medicate the tank. When you take out the media bag to use in the QT, add some fresh media back to the sump for next time.
The length of QT time is different for each person. Some people say 2 weeks if there's no sign of disease and let them go in the DT. Some people go as long as 6 months. It's really up to you.
The number of fish at a time depends on what species the fish are, how big the QT is and when they were bought. If they're all added to QT at the same time it's all good. But if you add one now and another in a week, the time starts all over again for the first fish.
Also, you can keep the QT running when not in use or you can take it down. It's up to you.
Hope that was helpful

 

[sbazain]

Very , when you say fikter media can ot be carbon I have my carbon in a bag and I changr it everybfo u r

 

[sbazain]

Sorry about that I change my carbon like every three months would thatvwork

 

[tyler1503]

Nah, carbon isn't good for QT. It can absorb medications and stuff that we want left in the water.
You'll need something like rubble rock or matrix or something where good bacteria can grow

 

[sbazain]

Got you, am going to make a little bag with crush corals rock and build.it up maybe get me a little hob filter the tank is just a 10 gallon and heater

 

[tyler1503]

Got you, am going to make a little bag with crush corals rock and build.it up maybe get me a little hob filter the tank is just a 10 gallon and heater

That's pretty much all you need
Also some PVC pipes or some kind of decoration is a good idea. It gives the fish somewhere to hide and feel a bit more comfortable.

 

[sbazain]

Great thanks for help will let you know on the process and maybe some pics

 

[tyler1503]

No worries
Good luck!

 

[merlberg]

tyler1503 so I was reading this because I'm setting up my 10 gallon quarantine. I noticed you said I shouldn't use carbon for good bacteria in my QT so what else can I use?

I have something called algone that's in a packet which is now in my DT and its a removes nitrates and ammonia so my question is can I put tht packet in my QT for good bacteria?

 

[tyler1503]

tyler1503 so I was reading this because I'm setting up my 10 gallon quarantine. I noticed you said I shouldn't use carbon for good bacteria in my QT so what else can I use?

I have something called algone that's in a packet which is now in my DT and its a removes nitrates and ammonia so my question is can I put tht packet in my QT for good bacteria?

Carbon can strip the water of certain medications. If your not medicating at all, you can use carbon, but it's not really necessary. There shouldn't be anything in the water you need to remove with carbon
You basically just want something porous and disposable for bacteria to colonise. I would personally use filter wool as it's so cheap and easy. I've heard of household sponges being used, but some contain nasty chemicals to keep mould and stuff away that we really don't want in our tanks so I wouldn't risk that.
I'd also stay away from rock, ceramic media and the like unless your not medicating. Those types of media can absorb medications and cause issues if they're reused, even if you clean them really well. If you don't medicate, you don't have that issue though.
I personally wouldn't put the algone in the QT as I would be concerned about it leaching ammonia and nitrates back into the system. but I've never used a product like that so I don't actually know anything about it lol. I'm just speculating there.

 

[merlberg]

Ok so what is the purpose of putting that in the filter? It is to keep good bacteria in right since there is no live sand or rock?

And I had to go look up what filter wool is lol. I do have a new black filter pad, can I use that?

And do I just put it right in the qt filter?

I thought I was trying to take good bacteria from my old tank to put in the qt but I think I got it wrong lol

 

[merlberg]

this is the pad I'm asking if I can use since I dnt have the wool one you are talking about

 

[merlberg]

And if I dnt medicate can I just reuse the pad or do I have to change it everytime I use the QT and what if I do medicate, do I change it lol

 

[stunreefer Verified Sponsor]

Yes, that media would be fine. If you intend to use a hang on back filter I recommend using the largest one you can fit - don't pay attention to the rating. I use AquaClear 70s ("rated" for 70 gallons) on 10 gallon QT's. The more filtration and water movement the better.

There's lots of good reading out these on this subject I suggest you look into. QT can break you quick as it can be very touchy. Here's a start.

 

[merlberg]

Ok Thnks for tht link I'll be reading it soon.

Right now I just have a regular cheap filter Thts inside the tank for a 10 gallon, it came with the setup. So you think I'd have to buy yet another filter even if it's just for qt? Oh boy lol

 

[merlberg]

Ok the only other filter I do have here besides the filter the tank came with us a bio wheel 200. Isn't tht too strong for my 10 gallon tank?

 

[stunreefer Verified Sponsor]

You don't have to do anything - in regards to purchasing more equipment. However, 90%+ QT tanks I see set-up have tiny filters on them with detritus all over the bottom of the tank. The more water you have moving and capable filtration the easier it will be to keep water parameters stable. I for one don't want to do daily water changes on a QT system unless it's necessary based on medications, etc.

And no the BIO-wheel 200 moves less water than the AQ70 I run on 10 gals, it would likely be ideal compared to your other option. Really do not pay much attention to those ratings. Besides they're generally rated for freshwater systems anyways. You cannot have too much biological filtration.

 

[merlberg]

Ok thanks so much for the info and the quick response. I was actually trying to set it up as we're talking to make sure everything is right since I want to purchase fishes tomorrow lol.

You've def. Given me some helpful info . One last question lol so I put the bio wheel filter in the qt instead of using the one it came with. Now the black pad tht I showed in the pic above is that the only thing that should go in the filter?

 

[tyler1503]

Great advice stunreefer!
That black pad in the pic above should suffice, but more can't hurt
It may take a few days/weeks for bacteria to fully colonise the black sponge though. If you want to get fish tomorrow, I would look into getting a bottle of prime and a bottled bacteria product. I haven't used either very much, but think they would be helpful