Setting up a QT

[Spare time]

It will need to be in the other tank for a few weeks minimum, I generally run media for at least two months before moving it to a new tank. You’ll need to rely on “bacteria in a bottle” like Dr. Tim’s. I used Microbacter years ago, I don’t recall that the results were all that stellar, but maybe my memory is faulty.

The microbacter op is using is xlm which is only a few years old. Not sure if its different bacteria than microbacter7 or if its just much more concentrated.

 

[RWhitt907]

It will need to be in the other tank for a few weeks minimum, I generally run media for at least two months before moving it to a new tank. You’ll need to rely on “bacteria in a bottle” like Dr. Tim’s. I used Microbacter years ago, I don’t recall that the results were all that stellar, but maybe my memory is faulty.

Would you recommend adding all my fish to QT over the course of a few days? Also not sure what to do with the wrasses since it's a bare bottom QT and they sleep in the sand

 

[Spare time]

Would you recommend adding all my fish to QT over the course of a few days? Also not sure what to do with the wrasses since it's a bare bottom QT and they sleep in the sand

PS you can add silica based sand instead I'm pretty sure.

 

[RWhitt907]

PS you can add silica based sand instead I'm pretty sure.

Sweet. Helps them out, trying to keep it as stress free as I can

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

Would you recommend adding all my fish to QT over the course of a few days? Also not sure what to do with the wrasses since it's a bare bottom QT and they sleep in the sand

Yes, you can use silica sand, some people put it in a plastic tupperware container to keep it from blowing around the tank.

 

[RWhitt907]

Yes, you can use silica sand, some people put it in a plastic tupperware container to keep it from blowing around the tank.

For Brooklynella, could I use Ruby Rally in the QT tank while using copper as well?

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

For Brooklynella, could I use Ruby Rally in the QT tank while using copper as well?

Yes, but I always prefer to use one medication at a time to reduce overall stress.

 

[RWhitt907]

The tank itself would be large enough, however, the real issue is the biological filtration system - if you don't have enough beneficial bacteria in the tank, the ammonia will shoot up and the fish will die. Can you move filter media (non-calcareous) from your DT? Filter sponges work well if you have them.

Jay

I've got some rubble in my refugium that's been in there probably 6 months. Could I throw that in my QT and top it off with old tank water after a water change?

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

I've got some rubble in my refugium that's been in there probably 6 months. Could I throw that in my QT and top it off with old tank water after a water change?

Tank water itself has little to no beneficial bacteria in it - this type of bacteria lives on surfaces. Coral rubble will work, but will absorb some copper and then should not be used again in tanks with invertebrates. I would use the rubble and augment it with some bacteria in a bottle.