help with setting up QT

[fighton03]

I have a new 125 that I have transfered all my live rock and corals into from my 2 30 gallon mixed reef systems. I am starting over with my fish. I'm planning on having no fish in the tank for at least 6 more weeks (it has been running for about 5 weeks so far). I want to set up a quarantine tank to house all new fish prior to introduction to the main display.

I have a couple hang on biowheel filters laying around, and an eheim canister filter that has been running on one of the 30 tanks, that are available to serve as filtration for the QT. I am assuming that the canister would have a "live" bacteria colony established, but would like to know which would be a better option? I still have one 30 running and could hook up a biowheel filter up to it and let it run for a couple weeks if that would be advisable. The wheels were previously running on a freshwater tank, but have not been in water for a year or so (stored in zip lock bags). If the biowheel filter is the best option, do I need to get new wheels?

Also still debating between cupramine and hypo. Leaning towards copper, due to perceived simplicity. Open to opinions.

by the way I have read a lot including the "is this ich" thread and pretty much everything on ATJ's site, but still an incredible newbie to the quarantine scene. Survived the past 10 years in a blessed state with no real outbreaks of any disease. Don't want to press my luck.

 

[CarlC]

Sponge filters are by far the easiest. Just a air pump, air line and the sponge filter are needed. Drop it in a running tank or sump for a week to seed. Also on your next water change use the old tank water to help seed the QT. Once you have the old tank water in just fill the remaining with new aged seawater. Once the tank is full drop in the spong filter. After doing a water change on the QT wait a day, pull out the sponge squeeze and rinse under RO water and put back in.

After your done with the QT tank remove the sponge filter and clean with your favorite disinfectant. Rinse it well and let it dry. If you think you might be getting the itch for a new fish just drop it back in to be seeded again.

The canisters and HOB's are nice but there is alot more cleaning involved. The sponge can always be running in your sump and takes up little space.

Carl