Quarentine tank questions

[uscstaylor]

Hey Guys,

I have a quick question about quarentine tanks. I just set up a 20 gallon tank and its perfect but what about all the levels like PH and NO2, NO3, Ammo. I have my salinity and temp set but what else do I need to have for this to go right? I know that I need to do water changes every 2-3 days. Any help would be great.

 

[Reefing Madness]

Setting up a QT initially is like setting up a DT. The tank has to cycle before you can add fish. But on a QT you can run a bio filter or something of that sort. this is where your going to build up the BB. Most would use PVC for the fish to hide in, and also not use sand. But the water params need to be just like that of a DT. Your QTs PH and SG should match that of your DT, unless your doing a Hypo Treatment. Then you'd slowly roll the SG up when it done, so as not to shock the fish.

 

[lxeroxl]

I tend to run uncycled qt's and use prime to kepe the ammo down. i never know when i am going to get fish and dont have the room for a cycled qt to run at all times.

 

[Ron Reefman]

Is this a 'full time' QT or set it up when needed QT? If it's full time, it has all the needs of a regular DT. If it's a 'when needed' QT, regular water parameter testing and water changes (maybe as often as every day) will be needed to keep all the water parameters in order. I keep a 55g full time QT because I bring stuff home from the Gulf of Mexico and the Florida Keys fairly regularly. I also keep it active by keeping some 'local' stock in it full time. So it gets treated like a full time DT. I used to do it 'as needed', but setting it up, taking it down and cleaning everything got to be a PITA.

 

[Mattiejay6]

There are many routes to go with a QT..

Your set up:
Glass Tank
Heater
Temp Reader
HOB Filter(I prefer aqua clear) remove carbon when dosing meds and replace when done.. Keep ceramic pieces and sponges in there..
PVC for fish to hide in
I like using screen tops as well


If it is a permanent QT run a full cycle....if you dose copper just know that your ammonia test will read higher.. Also you should keep all your QT equipment dedicated to your QT and don't use them on your DT.

If it is a temp tank set it all up and steal the water from your DT to start it...you can also use new salt water.. Just make sure when you do water changes you account for that with replenishing the meds you pull out...

 

[uscstaylor]

thanks guys for all your comments but I'm only going to use the tank on a temporary basis so I'll do water changes every two days to 3 days but check my levels first again thanks for responses

 

[Congaken]

What about medicating a QT tank for new fish...is some copper product the way to go?...how long a treatment would reduce (remove) the probability of velvet, ick, etc.?