Quarantine Tanks Setup - Ammonia

[CJ Monty]

This is my first time QT fish just for observation post. I have reached the point in my DT that I do not want to roll the dice. I got some good advice from my LFS but wanted opinions from here. Currently just put in 2 fish last night (solar wrasse and bi color blenny) in a 10 gallon tank. All water is from my DT. Put 100 watt heater, a Penguin Biowheel 100 and a hydor nano 425. Added a large piece of pvc pipe for them to hide. Started "seeding" the tank with Stability following recommended doses.

To help with ammonia, some people recommend adding some live rock. But I have read you should not added rock or sand as that provides a place for any diseases to grow (hence the pvc). Others also recommend adding a sponge or filter from your DT. I currently do not have any mechanical filtration (nitrate factory in my opinion). Should I throw a filter in my sump for a day and then throw in the QT tank? (From what I read it takes 30 days to seed a filter from your DT)

Any other recommendations on how to keep ammonia in check besides monitor and do frequent water changes every couple of days?

 

[kirstyflash]

We put a small brick of marine pure from the sump of the dt in qt for bacteria. Otherwise we do 30% waterchanges every 1-2 days

 

[CJ Monty]

We put a small brick of marine pure from the sump of the dt in qt for bacteria. Otherwise we do 30% waterchanges every 1-2 days

Thanks for the response. Unfortunately I only have a 4 inch block of marine pure in my sump. I do have some pukani rubble is my sump and in my DT. Whether its marine pure or live rock, doesnt the same hold true about allowing disease to grow? I read you should not put any rock or sand in the QT. Am I wrong?

 

[kirstyflash]

Thanks for the response. Unfortunately I only have a 4 inch block of marine pure in my sump. I do have some pukani rubble is my sump and in my DT. Whether its marine pure or live rock, doesnt the same hold true about allowing disease to grow? I read you should not put any rock or sand in the QT. Am I wrong?

We are treating for ich with copper so don’t have that concern. I am sure other parasites/diseases can use the block to grow in. My best bet for you to keep ammonia down is just frequent and large waterchanges, making sure you syphon any detritus and uneaten food
Edit: just be careful if the fishies...some like the flow of the syphon and like to play chicken with it. Clown goby has gone for a ride

 

[saltyhog]

The problem with rock is it absorbing copper and make it difficult to maintain levels. It also can host biofilm that can break down chloroquine phosphate and make it ineffective. If its just for observation rock is fine.

I use oversized Aquaclear HOB filters and keep two sponges in my sump at all times.

 

[CJ Monty]

The problem with rock is it absorbing copper and make it difficult to maintain levels. It also can host biofilm that can break down chloroquine phosphate and make it ineffective. If its just for observation rock is fine.

I use oversized Aquaclear HOB filters and keep two sponges in my sump at all times.

Thanks, that is what I was starting to think. As long as they dont show signs of anything rock is fine.

 

[CJ Monty]

How long do you guys recommend keeping them just for observation? 4 weeks? Also what about lighting? Right now just using the ceiling light and opening up the blinds in the room (room gets a lot of sunlight). I was thinking of doing that for now and as we get closer to moving them into the DT putting a desk lamp over them.

 

[evilchef70]

I use no sand and no live rock. Just heater and large hang on back filter. Room lights. I also put one of those large round airline bubbler filters too. That will hold your good bacteria. Never squeeze it out. I also do daily small water changes. Or every other day. I run slightly higher temp and lower salinity than my display to keep ick away. I do this for 40 plus days. For a 10 gallon quarantine you don’t need a hang on back filter.