Filter recommendation for long term QT

[Tuffloud1]

I am in the process of setting up a QT and would like to know what my best option for filtration would be if I plan on having fish in my 20 gallon QT for 13 weeks.

 

[CoralsAddiction]

I have an aqua clear 50. Perfect for a 20 gallon QT.

 

[Tuffloud1]

I have an aqua clear 50. Perfect for a 20 gallon QT.

That's the exact one I was thinking about.

Then I came across the Fluval and other brand canister filters. Would one of these be better for long term quarantine?

Also, are the ceramic bio max things okay to use if treating with copper?

 

[CoralsAddiction]

Filter recommendation for long term QT

That's the exact one I was thinking about.

Then I came across the Fluval and other brand canister filters. Would one of these be better for long term quarantine?

Also, are the ceramic bio max things okay to use if treating with copper?

I only use a sponge after seeding it with bacteria in the main tank for at least 4-5 days and then run a poly filter pad to remove medication when I am done. None of the other stuff. AC 50 is very easy to use and store when you are done with QT. I've had mine for 18 months or so no problem.

 

[Tuffloud1]

I only use a sponge after seeding it with bacteria in the main tank for at least 4-5 days and then run a poly filter pad to remove medication when I am done. None of the other stuff. AC 50 is very easy to use and store when you are done with QT. I've had mine for 18 months or so no problem.

I plan on permanently running the QT, with that said, do you still recommend the AC50 over a canister filter?

So you keep the sponge in for the bio since there is no live rock or sand and then you add poly filter while KEEPING the sponge in there? And no carbon even when not medicating?

 

[CoralsAddiction]

Yeah I would still highly recommend AC50. It's more than enough. LFS will try to sell you canister bc it's more expensive. Not worth it.
Yes poly filter while keeping the sponge there as well. I use a poly filter that's white but then changes color based on what toxins it's removing. For copper it turns dark blue. Different color for ammonia.

 

[CoralsAddiction]

Also, if you are medicating fish you need to take into account that some medications like copper require higher dose than freshwater fish. I always have a copper test kit at hand and couldn't have treated my fish without it.

 

[Tuffloud1]

Yeah I would still highly recommend AC50. It's more than enough. LFS will try to sell you canister bc it's more expensive. Not worth it.
Yes poly filter while keeping the sponge there as well. I use a poly filter that's white but then changes color based on what toxins it's removing. For copper it turns dark blue. Different color for ammonia.

Why do you not run the biomax media?

 

[CoralsAddiction]

Why do you not run the biomax media?

My QT runs fine without it.

 

[Tuffloud1]

My QT runs fine without it.

I guess the question is, is there any reason NOT to use it?

 

[CoralsAddiction]

I guess the question is, is there any reason NOT to use it?

Potentially reducing effectiveness of some medications and increasing the cost of QT. I don't think the benefits (don't see any) outweigh the cost as low as it may be.

 

[Tuffloud1]

Potentially reducing effectiveness of some medications and increasing the cost of QT. I don't think the benefits (don't see any) outweigh the cost as low as it may be.

If I'm not running medication, would running carbon be beneficial?

 

[CoralsAddiction]

If I'm not running medication, would running carbon be beneficial?

Wouldn't hurt unless you have a tang in QT. There's a growing consensus in the hobby that running carbon can cause HLLE. Having QTd a small tang before (never went in main display) and experienced it myself, I tend to agree with that theory.