Managing QT while I'm Away?

[All__talk]

So I have a somewhat unique situation, I work away from home five days a week. With the help of a controller, a couple of cameras and occasional intervention from a family member I have successfully (mostly) been running my tank for about 8 years. I have never quarantined my fish before and have not had any disease issues. But I feel I've pushed my luck as far as I dare.

I'm looking to add a pair of clown fish and have gathered basic supplies for a ten gallon QT. I can move a camera to the QT for observing and can arrange for feeding during the week. I'm currently seeding some ceramic media in my sump (2 weeks now) that will go into a hang-on filter and I have a cover for that tank to minimize evaporation. But I'm concerned about monitoring water quality (ammonia) and medication levels if they become necessary.

Any experience or advice would be appreciated.

Thanks
Gary

 

[JustinM]

As it's only an observation tank at the moment, it would be no different than your DT. Only suggestions I would have for an observation tank would be possibly an ato(because you're out of town)an ammonia alert badge, and getting a 20 long if you can. Petco has a dollar per gallon sale going on till the 27th of this month, at least in my area. As for ammonia, just have salt water pre made and make sure the person watching the tank knows how to do a water change.

If you need to medicate, it would still be no different than an observation except adding copper, cupramine, etc to the water change water. I use a 20 long for qt and I'll change 5 gallons at a time and I know approx how many drops to add to keep at .4. Cupramine doesn't affect biological filtration much so if you keep feeding to a minimum, it should be ok for 5 days IME/O.

If you have never QT'd before, don't be surprised if there is something dormant or that the fish already have immunity to. Granted to the speculation of ich dying off after 11 months if no new strains are brought in.

Best of luck!

Justin

 

[scooter31707]

You won't have to worry about a water change while you are gone. 5 days will be fine. I do agree with purchasing a ATO and an auto feeder. I have both and I am home everyday..LOL. Them 2 things will pretty much cover the needs of the fish while you are gone, assuming the fish gets along. That will be the only thing that you will not be able to manage.