Do I need a QT tank?

[zrs6v4]

I have a 120 gallon with a foxface, 2 false percual clowns, 2 sifting sea stars, a bubble tip anenome, a derasa clam, 10 blue leg hermit crabs, 6 cerith 6 nessarius, a couple of soft corals, zoos and shrooms. I was reading up on QT tanks a lttle but I couldn't find much info on them other than they are good for treating diseased fish. I havent had any problems yet and havent added any fish in a month, but planning on adding a couple of tangs, more cleaners, and some more corals. so my questions are>

Are Qt tanks that important?

What can you treat in them other than fish?

What would be a good set up I could do if I did start one.. lighting, filtration, sand rock, size?

 

[capncapo]

You may find this to be of interest.

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/2004-10/sp/feature/index.php

 

[Boosted Rxp]

i didnt use one but i already had ich too real bad,one had it then they all had it,so i will be setting one up

 

[zrs6v4]

ok Me to then I guess, I havent added fish for like a month and they are doing fine, but I can already tell you once I put the first tang in there will be problems most likely unless I QT it.

 

[zrs6v4]

I read the article. very informative.. I don't undertsand a couple of things.. So do you leave it running at all times or actually empty it out everytime you quarentine something? also what if you buy 2 fish at once do you put them both in?

 

[capncapo]

It would probably be best to empty it after each use. Certain things like cirolanid isopods can live for months without a host. Marine Ich can last for up to 6 weeks in the tank.

I'd buy 1 fish at a time. I'd hate to lose one because the other transmitted a parasite or disease to an otherwise healthy fish. It's all a matter of personal choice though.

 

[zrs6v4]

Ok I almost have it down.. So How do you avoid cycling? Let me get this straight, you fill up the QT tank and set it up within a couple of days of buying a new fish?

 

[capncapo]

What's going to cycle?

 

[zrs6v4]

well I thought if you'd put fresh salt water in a new tank then it would cycle... or is that why you leave your foam filter pads in your sump?

 

[capncapo]

Saltwater doesn't cycle.

The stuff you put in the saltwater cycles. A cycle is caused by decaying matter. No decaying matter....no cycle.

 

[zrs6v4]

I didnt know that, Im new and learning every day. so no rock, no sand then no cycle. So should I use fresh salt water or watere from a water change? How long before I buy something should I set up the QT? Finally if all of my fish I buy are 3" or smaller would a 20 gallon tank work? Sorry to keep ringin questions off, I really appreciate your time and help....

 

[pewter_jean]

Yes a 20 gallon should be big enough, remember you are only going to have one fish in there at a time. Put a piece of very clean PVC pipe in the tank so they have someplace to feel safe and hide.

 

[dcombs44]

I use water change water and a foam filter from my sump for my qt.