Dr. Tim's For Quarantine Tank

[Buzz1329]

I'm planning to seed a QT I am setting up with: (1) 2 sponge filters that have been running for 2 weeks in the DT Sump, (2) a bag of ceramic rings that has been in the DT sump for 3 weeks and will be placed in a small power filter on the QT; and (3) PVC elbows that have been sitting in the DT sump for 3 weeks. I will also be filling the QT with water from the DT. The new fish will be put in the QT (after acclimation) within a few days of adding the above to the QT.

I assume that will be enough to avoid a cycle. But I'm wondering whether, as an added precaution, I should also add Dr. Tim's One and Only Nitrifying Bacteria? His website recommends that, if not cycling a new tank by adding ammonia, fish should be added to the tank within 24 hours of dosing his product, which I would do if I use the stuff.

So would it help, hurt, or not matter if I did so?

Thanks,

 

[Marshall O]

I have done a similar method with good success. 10 gal tank, moved a seeded sponge filter from my DT, new SW, and added generic nitrifying bacteria immediately after it was filled and heated. Then added the recommended dosage every other day for the first week. This was likely more of a precaution, but either way, I never had any ammonia issues, even with multiple fish being added at once.

I think you have a good plan in place/ The only thing to add would be to get a Seachem Ammonia Alert badge to monitor ammonia.

 

[MrTuskfish]

To really give a better answer, we'll need QT size and fish load. But assuming 1 or 2 small fish in a 20 gal QT, here's my 2 cents. I think you may have enough seeded media to handle a small QT load----more time for the media would be nice in a perfect world. You can add the Dr. Tims or Bio-Spira when you add the media; I think they are the only two of the numerous brands of bacteria starters that work, most are worthless.

 

[Buzz1329]

I have done a similar method with good success. 10 gal tank, moved a seeded sponge filter from my DT, new SW, and added generic nitrifying bacteria immediately after it was filled and heated. Then added the recommended dosage every other day for the first week. This was likely more of a precaution, but either way, I never had any ammonia issues, even with multiple fish being added at once.

I think you have a good plan in place/ The only thing to add would be to get a Seachem Ammonia Alert badge to monitor ammonia.

Thanks for the information. So you used the "add ammonia" method of cycling after adding the nitrifying bacteria? I'm planning to use the alternative method that Dr. Tim recommends: adding the fish within 24 hours of dosing his product. Has anyone done this?

 

[Marshall O]

Thanks for the information. So you used the "add ammonia" method of cycling after adding the nitrifying bacteria? I'm planning to use the alternative method that Dr. Tim recommends: adding the fish within 24 hours of dosing his product. Has anyone done this?

No, I did not add any ammonia. Just the sponge, "nitrifying bacteria", and then after a week, fish.

 

[Buzz1329]

To really give a better answer, we'll need QT size and fish load. But assuming 1 or 2 small fish in a 20 gal QT, here's my 2 cents. I think you may have enough seeded media to handle a small QT load----more time for the media would be nice in a perfect world. You can add the Dr. Tims or Bio-Spira when you add the media; I think they are the only two of the numerous brands of bacteria starters that work, most are worthless.

Then more time the media will have. I'll let them run for another two weeks before setting up the QTs.

I'm planning on using 2 x 25.6 gallon clear plastic containers for 7 (1 male and 6 female) x 1.25" to 2" Lyretail Anthias. So there will be 4 (1 male and 3 female) in one container and 3 females in the other. Each container will have a sponge filter, a small HOB PF containing a mechanical filter and 1/2 of the bag of ceramic rings I now have in my DT sump. First thing in the morning on the day the fish are schedule to arrive, I'll add the Dr. Tim's to each container.

I'll be dosing with Prazipro for the first week. Then I'll do a 25% water change and start dosing with chloroquine phosphate, adding 1 gram to each QT to bring the CP level to 10 mg/L. If I detect ammonia with Sea Chem badge or API test kit, I'll dose Amquel. If that doesn't do it, I'll do water changes (with new water dosed with appropriate amount of CP).

If I see any signs of bacterial infection such as fin rot or cloudy eyes, I'm planning on dosing the Maracyn Two antibiotic, which I understand is safe to use with the other medications.

If all goes well, I'll filter out the CP with GAC three weeks later, and the next day, drip acclimate the fish to the DT after the lights go out.

If there's anything I should do to change or improve the process, I'd certainly appreciate hearing about it.

Thanks,