Questions about QT setup

[Jasontkd]

Currently, I do not have QT setup, but will be setting one up in a month or so.

Currently I have a couple 2" ceramic cubes (from Algaebarn) in my filter area of my tank. I don't need them for filtration, but am just trying to get them loaded up for the QT tank.

So, when I set up a QT tank, I am planning to take the cubes out and place them in the new tank, along with a HOB filter, a heater, air atone, powerhead, and PVC pipe. That should take care of any cycling issues unless I am missing something.

what I am wondering is, after I treat any fish with copper or other meds, do I need to dispose of everything and start over? Do I leave this set up all the time?

If I break the QT down, is there a way to remove the copper from the filter cubes in order to be able to reuse them in the future?

 

[BeejReef]

That's textbook!
Still will want to watch for ammonia depending on bioload.

It may be possible to suck the copper out of your ceramics, but I personally wouldn't try it. A bottle of cuprasorb, the testing reagents, the wasted saltwater... a lot of time and expense for a couple of $4 cubes. Not sure of your ceramics, but my local lfs sells cheapo cubes for a couple bucks apiece. I just drop 3 new into my sump when I pull others for qt tank.

Other than that, nothing need be thrown away bc of copper except for filter media.

 

[Jasontkd]

perfect, thanks.

I figured it was better the throw them out, but I know you can bleach old live rock to remove problem items, so I figured it was worth asking.

 

[Big G]

Have had bad experiences with ceramic "plates" the 8 x 8 size. The copper killed off the bio organisms on/in the plates resulting in a tremendous growth of green slime all over the plates. My thinking is that the plates needed more water flow than could be done. So now I use a mesh bag of Fluval BioMax ceramic media that has been soaking in my DT sump. I place the bag in the HOB so it gets a real nice water flow. Results have been great. I very seldom have to do water changes in the QT and there is no absorbing of the copper by the media. Usually just toss the media when done with each QT session. Humblefish has found the same results with Seachem Matrix ceramic media.

 

[Jasontkd]

so do you dispose of th media after the QT session?

 

[Jasontkd]

nevermind my last comment. I missed where you said you throw it out.

 

[Glott3133]

Is there a thread that goes through how to successfully setup a QT system. I have one, with a single live rock in it with some ceramic media, but never been used.

 

[Big G]

Is there a thread that goes through how to successfully setup a QT system. I have one, with a single live rock in it with some ceramic media, but never been used.

Yep! This one has almost everything you might want to reference for QTing.

Thread Links to All Things Quarantine - Fish/Inverts

The original comprehensive guide to quarantine by @Humblefish How to Quarantine Also by @Humblefish, this pretty much speaks for itself. The Do's and Dont's of Quarantine The dangers of Aerosol Transmission by @Humblefish Aerosol transmission Information on Bio-film and its impact on...

www.reef2reef.com

and this one is specific on how to setup the QT tank with lots of hints and tips:

How to Quarantine

How to Setup a Quarantine Tank The following are the bare essentials: Aquarium (10-30 gallons seems to work for most people. Bigger QT lets you house more fish and gives you more wiggle room when it comes to ammonia. Smaller QT is cheaper, easier to maintain and can be setup/broke down...

www.reef2reef.com