Why sterilize QT tank after fish have been through?

[EakTheFreak]

Good Morning Reef2Reef,

This is more of a curiosity question. I currently have two QT tanks that I always sterilize after each use with Vinegar, bleach & water.

The other day it hit me, if I have utilized copper, Prazipro & possibly general cure but than used Cuprisorb and had healthy fish come out of QT tank into DT why am I sterilizing the QT if I have more fish I would want to bring in to start the process over.

@Jay Hemdal Would love to hear your feedback on this Jay!

Thanks!!

 

[Jay Hemdal Verified Community Expert]

The only time I sterilize a quarantine tank is if it held fish that had an unknown, or uncontrolled disease. If it was a successful quarantine, you are correct in that the tank is no more infected than the fish that you moved to your DT. I like to keep QT up and running so that if I ever need to separate a fish, I have a place to move them to. I will keep the biofilter going by either feeding the tank a bit of food from time to time, or keeping a spare fish in it.
A well-seasoned QT goes a long way in having a successful quarantine run! So many times people battle ammonia issues in a new tank while trying to quarantine their fish...always more difficult.

NEVER use vinegar to sterilize a tank if you are using bleach! If you allow the two to come in contact directly, you'll create chlorine gas! Just use bleach and water and rinse well and use a dechlorinator.

jay

 

[EakTheFreak]

The only time I sterilize a quarantine tank is if it held fish that had an unknown, or uncontrolled disease. If it was a successful quarantine, you are correct in that the tank is no more infected than the fish that you moved to your DT. I like to keep QT up and running so that if I ever need to separate a fish, I have a place to move them to. I will keep the biofilter going by either feeding the tank a bit of food from time to time, or keeping a spare fish in it.
A well-seasoned QT goes a long way in having a successful quarantine run! So many times people battle ammonia issues in a new tank while trying to quarantine their fish...always more difficult.

NEVER use vinegar to sterilize a tank if you are using bleach! If you allow the two to come in contact directly, you'll create chlorine gas! Just use bleach and water and rinse well and use a dechlorinator.

jay

Yes, I meant I use one or the other for cleaning but thank you for pointing this out! Always appreciate your feedback. You my friend, are the best resource I’ve found on Reef2Reef

 

[moz71]

I never sterilize either and successfully ran though multiple fish though it! As jay as said great for seasoned back up in case of emergency. I am currently running a qt empty now for months and feed it occasionally for that purpose. Wife is wondering why I am keeping an empty tank. Lol

 

[EakTheFreak]

I never sterilize either and successfully ran though multiple fish though it! As jay as said great for seasoned back up in case of emergency. I am currently running a qt empty now for months and feed it occasionally for that purpose. Wife is wondering why I am keeping an empty tank. Lol

That’s hilarious and my wife will most likely wonder the same now haha.

 

[greetl01]

The only time I sterilize a quarantine tank is if it held fish that had an unknown, or uncontrolled disease. If it was a successful quarantine, you are correct in that the tank is no more infected than the fish that you moved to your DT. I like to keep QT up and running so that if I ever need to separate a fish, I have a place to move them to. I will keep the biofilter going by either feeding the tank a bit of food from time to time, or keeping a spare fish in it.
A well-seasoned QT goes a long way in having a successful quarantine run! So many times people battle ammonia issues in a new tank while trying to quarantine their fish...always more difficult.

NEVER use vinegar to sterilize a tank if you are using bleach! If you allow the two to come in contact directly, you'll create chlorine gas! Just use bleach and water and rinse well and use a dechlorinator.

jay

Can I use water conditioner from my freshwater tank as a dechlorinator?

 

[Quiverfull]

If you do have a QT with an unknown disease and have treated with Metroplex and Kanaplex, how would you clean it and not disturb the biological filter in the HOB or do you have to?