My First QT

[TimeConsumer]

I've been reefkeeping for about 2 years now, and never used a QT tank. Luckily nothing happened, but now I plan on adding a mimic lemonpeel tang soon and want to do this one right. So I already have the tank, HOB filter, and heater from a previous FW setup. I think I have a few PVC fittings lying around too and enough parts to wire up a quick ATO.

Here's my dilemma: Do I quarantine and observe, or do I quarantine and treat prophylactically?

If I go with the former, I am thinking 4-6 weeks in QT to determine if the fish needs any treatment

If I am going to do the latter, I will most likely go with cupramine as opposed to hypo. This is because I already have very little free time between work and maintaining my current reef tank, and the way I see it cupramine will take a little less careful monitoring and adjusting as opposed to hypo. Correct me if I am wrong. I feel I may as well treat with prazipro while I am at it.

Any comments, concerns, or suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[HumbleFish]

Prophylactically treating with both Cupramine and Prazi sounds like your best option; especially with a tang. I would suggest not using them concurrently if you can help it. Treat with two rounds of Prazi (5-6 days apart) and then 4 weeks in Cupramine. Or vice versa.

 

[TimeConsumer]

Prophylactically treating with both Cupramine and Prazi sounds like your best option; especially with a tang. I would suggest not using them concurrently if you can help it. Treat with two rounds of Prazi (5-6 days apart) and then 4 weeks in Cupramine. Or vice versa.

Thank you for the advice. If I am overlooking anything else please let me know.

 

[Spyderturbo007]

I'm on the other side of the fence from HumbleFish. I don't treat unless there is a reason to treat. Another great thing for a QT is a SeaChem Ammonia Alert Badge. Best $5 you can spend.

 

[HumbleFish]

Thank you for the advice. If I am overlooking anything else please let me know.

Prazi & Cupramine is all you usually need. Of course, sometimes something unexpected happens (i.e. bacterial infection) and you'll need to use other meds (i.e. antibiotics). Spyderturbo's suggestion about using a SeaChem Ammonia Alert Badge in QT is excellent advice.

 

[coral_lagoon]

Bacterial,fungal infections can be avoided by having good filtration+ vigorous water movement on your Q tanks. Sponge filters alone are not efficient enough IMO. A good size HOB filter with a skimmer is a good start. The skimmer will put good amount of oxygen in the water. Not to mention skim the waste from the water. Also go with the biggest Q tank if possible 29 gallons at the least..

Like the others have said though . Just observation alone isn't good enough. Every fish should be treated with Cupramine, and Prazipro. If it isn't ich, then it's worms/flukes. +1 on the Seachem Ammonia badge too..:beer:

 

[TimeConsumer]

I forgot to mention that I would definitely be purchasing a ammonia alert, good to hear it comes highly recommended. As far as water flow and filtration I don't think I will have the ideal setup that you described, coral_lagoon, but I will keep your ideas in mind about more aggressive filtration, flow and oxygenation.

I think I'll start setting up my tank now.

 

[coral_lagoon]

I forgot to mention that I would definitely be purchasing a ammonia alert, good to hear it comes highly recommended. As far as water flow and filtration I don't think I will have the ideal setup that you described, coral_lagoon, but I will keep your ideas in mind about more aggressive filtration, flow and oxygenation.

I think I'll start setting up my tank now.

TC here's video of my Q setups. Good luck..

 

[TimeConsumer]

Your fish must not like it when you turn your headlights on.

 

[coral_lagoon]

Your fish must not like it when you turn your headlights on.

They're fine the headlights don't bother them. It's the rumble from the V10 that fires them up.. :lmao:

 

[TimeConsumer]

Your headlight has inspired me. A sideways-lit reef tank. Stick a halide pointed at the front glass, build a foam background and glue frags to it, and watch the corals grow straight towards the front. Think the fish might start swimming sideways?

 

[HumbleFish]

Your fish must not like it when you turn your headlights on.

I was wondering more about the exhaust.....