When/how to begin quarantine???

[warmitupchriss]

Whats up guys? I want to start by saying I am brand new to saltwater aquariums and I'm trying to soak up as much information and do this stuff the right way. I have a 50g tank with 20 gallon sump system. AI Hydra 26 light, about 45lbs of live rock, reef octopus return pump, Tunze ATO, Apex JR w/ temp and PH probe, SC aquariums skimmer, Eheim heater, Ecotech MP10w's, Spectrapure 4-stage RO/DI, and I think thats about it. The tank has been cycling for about a month now. Ammonia has fallen to zero and now nitrite and nitrates are up. I guess i'm just waiting for nitrites to fall. I can see traces of green algae and a few diatoms now. So my question is whats next? I feel like I'm getting close to the end of my cycle so should I start quarantining my first fish or CuC now? I already have all the materials to build the QT tank. Should I throw the sponge from the HOB QT filter into my sump so it can seed? Do I do nothing until the cycle completes? Can I begin quarantine now with fresh saltwater in the QT tank and the seeded filter sponge or do is it better to use water from my cycled DT? Can I throw a small clean up crew in my display tank now and see how they do? When do I perform my first water change in my display?

I apologize for all the questions. I've been combing through the forum reading almost everyday, but between the forum, my LFS, and friends who have established tanks, I get all kinds of answers. Any help is appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[twilliard]

Here is a link that might help you
https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/the-dos-and-don’ts-of-quarantine.203898/

 

[Humblefish]

And this: http://reef2reef.com/threads/how-to-quarantine.189815/

 

[twilliard]

And this: http://reef2reef.com/threads/how-to-quarantine.189815/

I was trying to find something like that.. thank you for this!
It is now bookmarked

 

[warmitupchriss]

Thank you guys!! I've read those as well. So do you guys think I should/can begin my quarantine of inverts or fish now? Just use fresh saltwater in the QT with a HOB filter.

 

[Humblefish]

So do you guys think I should/can begin my quarantine of inverts or fish now? Just use fresh saltwater in the QT with a HOB filter.

I would, yes. You will need to have bio-media in the HOB filter, and use one of those "bacteria in a bottle" products to seed it with.

 

[RedoubtReef]

I haven't read the articles, but a simple sponge filter works really well for QT. You just put the sponge in your sump for a week for the first use and then move it the QT. You can put the sponge back in your sump for later use when finished. If you use copper or any medication that is not invert safe in your QT process, don't put that sponge back in your sump. Throw it out and buy a new one for the next time you need it.

 

[warmitupchriss]

I haven't read the articles, but a simple sponge filter works really well for QT. You just put the sponge in your sump for a week for the first use and then move it the QT. You can put the sponge back in your sump for later use when finished. If you use copper or any medication that is not invert safe in your QT process, don't put that sponge back in your sump. Throw it out and buy a new one for the next time you need it.

The aqua clear HOB filter I have comes with the sponge and two other forms of filtration. Should I use just the sponge after seeding it or all three?

Also can I put the inverts directly into my display tank (Just drip acclimate them) or should I quarantine them as well before?

 

[RedoubtReef]

Sounds like that will work. I don't know if size of the sponge matters but you should be good to go then. Don't know what other filter media you are referring to that come with your HOB, but sponge is all that I've ever used/needed since I use a sponge filter. I have never done a QT on inverts in the past. I just drip acclimate and drop then in since they don't carry any diseases that they can pass on to fish.

 

[Humblefish]

The aqua clear HOB filter I have comes with the sponge and two other forms of filtration. Should I use just the sponge after seeding it or all three?

I only use the sponge. The carbon will remove medications, and the ceramic rings may or may not absorb medications.

Also can I put the inverts directly into my display tank (Just drip acclimate them) or should I quarantine them as well before?

Most corals/inverts are capable of hosting the tomont or encysted stage of ciliate protozoans (like ich). The only way to neutralize this threat is to house them in a fishless frag tank (photo below) for 76 days, before placing in your DT.

 

[Scrappy RN]

@Humblefish "Fishless frag tank" ....I want one!
I even like the way it sounds

@warmitupchriss I'm starting my first reef tank too and have a lot of the same questions! These guys (and gals) are all super helpful here! You're a lot further along than I am, look forward to seeing the final setup