5 gallon buckets for TTM

[fessoclown]

I am about to begin to restock my tank after 4 months fallow (I have been touring all summer and finally will be home more than 2 days a week)

I just want to check that I have everything I need.... The first fish I am picking up are a couple of clowns and a Tailspot Blenny.

I am planning to use 2 x 5 gallon buckets.

I plan to use an airstone and air pump and will discard the stone and tubbing between transfers.

I also need a couple of heaters. The Cobalt MiniTherm 10W is on sale for $10 at a LFS. It's only rated for 2.4 Gallons... Do you guys think the 10W would work for 4 gallons in a 5 gallon bucket? It is summer and the heaters on my DT don't even turn on right now...

I have some Prime and ammonia badges.

I have a tuppaware strainer

My DT has been fallow for just over 4 months, would it be OK to use water from my DT as the TTM water so as not to waste water?

My plan is to do the TTM and then put the fish into a QT that I have running and treat with Prazipro. How long is a prudent QT time for observation after the TTM and PraziPro?

Thanks

 

[Newsmyrna80]

I think you'll be fine on all accounts. The heaters should be ok for that small amount of water. I don't know the reason you ran the main fallow but even if it was ich you're past the 72 day mark so you are good to use main water.
My quarantine protocol is TT followed by 4 weeks in a cycled qt. I either treat with Prazi during the TT or the 4 weeks in the tank.

 

[snorvich]

My quarantine protocol is TT followed by 4 weeks in a cycled qt. I either treat with Prazi during the TT or the 4 weeks in the tank.

Likewise.

 

[fessoclown]

Thanks guys, the reason I left it fallow so long was that the 72 days came up just as I started a 3 month gig where I was only home 2-3 days a week. The gig is coming to an end so I now have time to restock with proper protocol.
Thanks for the confirmations.