Is there a guide anywhere on here on how to build a QT, as far as equipment goes? i know that it can be bare bones simple- i guess what i'm asking is, what kind of filter can i use and how often do i need to change the water. urgh i just realized i have a crap ton more questions than i thought i had.
this totally depends on what QT strategy you decide to employ.
for my grow out/observation tank, i left it cycled and used some cheap equipment. cheap powerheads, a HOB filter, and a second hand t5 light i was able to scrounge up. that worked really well. over time it got some upgrades and ended up with a sump and a skimmer, but that was more because i have a problem with fish tanks than because it needed it.
as for the TTM tanks, you want to keep them simple. i have a few heaters, and air pumps i use. everything gets bleached after i transfer the fish to the next tank, and things like air lines and air stones i just pitch.
i use pieces of PVC for hiding spots, because they can easily be disinfected along with the heater and tank when it's time to transfer.
i also have some pieces of acrylic that i use to cover the TTM tanks. helps stop jumpers, keep down on evaporation, and stop the spray associated with using air stones in a saltwater tank.
my minimum load out (i've added more of each thing to make my life easier) is as follows for TTM:
1. airline. i use a lot of it so i just buy long rolls of it and cut it to fit. when i transfer a fish out of a tank i just throw the airline out, it's not worth trying to disinfect.
2. heaters. at least 2, but the more the merrier. i leave these in the tank when i bleach then allow to dry for at least 24 hours before re-use. this makes sure no nasties hitch a ride.
3. air stones. you can get these real cheap at your LFS or off amazon. usually 50 cents or a buck a piece. same as the airline, i throw them out when i'm done with them. you can't clean them or dry them effectively.
4. air pump. i've accumulated a couple of these, but one or two will do just fine.
5. various pvc elbows. i like 3" - 4" elbows. i have some 90's and some T fittings. these get bleached and dried with the tank and heater when the fish is transferred out.
6. something to cover the tank with. i have a bunch of old acrylic sheets around that i just set on top the tanks. i rinse them and let them dry before re-use.
7. an ammonia binder like SeaChem Prime or AmQuel. i use this a lot in conjunction with partial water changes to help keep ammonia in check throughout TTM. the cleaner the water, the better chance of getting the fish to accept food, and generally speaking the better they will tolerate medication (if you're medicating).
then it's just a matter of putting a fish in the tank, waiting out your transfer period, moving to the next tank, then dumping a load of bleach in to the now empty tank. let it sit for a few hours, then dump it all out, rinse it well with tap water, and allow to dry for at least 24 hours before re-using the tank or equipment.
i actually have like 5 sets of equipment because it means if i get lazy i can let things sit without having to clean and dry them for immediate turn around. but that's stuff i've compiled after a few years in the hobby. it's amazing how extra stuff just kind of seems to accumulate after a fashion.
for the tanks themselves i got a second hand 20 long and stand for like $20 off craig's list for my grow out, and cobbled together a bunch of cheap 10 gallon tanks for my TTM tanks.
it sounds like a lot, i know, but once you get used to it, it's not too bad. i tend to change water aggressively, although that's usually not required. it is very helpful to at least siphon out unused food once a day (just make sure you have a few siphon hoses, and that they get bleached and dried along with everything else). i just usually get cheap vinyl tubing from Home Depot or Lowe's for my siphon hoses.
here is some more info on specific TTM points of interest:
http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1996525
