Converting QT into DT

[NedFlounders]

I've had a 20gal QT set up for maybe 5 months now and have used it to QT all my fish. It's bare bones...just power heads, bio wheel, heater, and pvc.

Yesterday i added 1-2" of sand and some left over dry rock in preparation for a mandarin and a diamond goby (this will be their home, not a QT anymore).

Although this tank as been up and running for a while, think it's necessary to cycle this tank since I added the sand and rock?

 

[Kentech5]

Have you ever used any copper medication in this QT? Won't be able to add any inverts if that's the case. I'm thinking the tank will still go through something of a cycle as the rock and sand still need to be seeded with bacteria.

Any plan for feeding the mandarin long term?

 

[MMacro]

The tank will not be suitable for a mandarin. I would recommend keeping it setup as an emergency quarantine tank.

 

[NedFlounders]

yeah i have a steady supply of copepods to add. I've never added any chemicals to the tank.

 

[NedFlounders]

The tank will not be suitable for a mandarin. I would recommend keeping it setup as an emergency quarantine tank.

Why?

 

[Speedfreak241]

Why?

Mandarins usually only eat copepods and in a 20 you wouldn't be able to keep a steady population. Also a diamond goby will use up your copepod population. Now if you have multiple copepod breeding stations you may have enough to supply one mandarin.

 

[MMacro]

Mandarins usually only eat copepods and in a 20 you wouldn't be able to keep a steady population. Also a diamond goby will use up your copepod population. Now if you have multiple copepod breeding stations you may have enough to supply one mandarin.

+1 You will have to buy A LOT of copepods every week just to maintain your mandarin. Also, if you dosed copper medication into the QT then you wont be able to keep any inverts. I would stay away from any copepod dependent animals.

 

[MMacro]

Also, you never know when/if your next parasite outbreak will be. It is always good to have a quarantine tank lying around.