Post QT process

[aravindk]

I have couple of fish undergoing QT. Once the period of observation is complete, can I just net them and release them to DT after acclimation? They underwent Prazipro and Cupramine treatment.

Another question I have is after the fish are released, I am planning to QT more new fish. Can I use the QT as is or should I first try and remove the medication?

 

[MrTuskfish]

The PP is probably broken down and inert by now. I don't like to introduce new fish into a tank with copper. I think new fish need a week or so to settle down and begin eating before introducing copper (over about 5-7 days). I am no chemist and don't know if "old" copper keeps the same properties as "fresh" copper. Copper compounds do seem to breakdown or dissipate in some way, because Cu tests, over time, show reduced amounts of Cu in the water column. This would be a good question for SeaChem tech support,888-seachem. If you're sure that your DT water is parasite free, you can dump all the QT water and fill the QT with DT water, giving the DT a WC at the same time. I just don't like the idea of re-using QT water and have a very easy system to handle this job. But if you want to re-use the water:Cuprisorb, good carbon, or Poly-filters (the specific brand) will remove almost all of the Cu.

 

[Newsmyrna80]

The only pro to using an existing QT is if it cycled but copper will take care
of the cycle so why not start over.

 

[HumbleFish]

Probably me just being OCD about it :celeb1:, but I like to have a nice "fresh" start with every fish I QT. All new water (or DT water), no meds, bio media direct from my sump, etc.

That way if the fish won't eat or mysteriously dies or something, I don't have any "what ifs" in the back of my mind.

 

[aravindk]

I guess we are looking at three options:

1. Clean the QT tank, use fresh saltwater, start a new cycle and then introduce the next set of specimen.
2. Use water from DT which does not need any cycling.
3. Use the existing water from QT, but remove the copper using Cuprisorb

I guess I'd be leaning on the first method unless anybody else has better methods.

 

[HumbleFish]

I vote for Option #1, but DT water doesn't "cycle" anything. At least not immediately. You have to "seed" bio media in your DT (preferably in a high flow area of your sump). This seeding process takes at least one month, but longer is better. After that enough bacteria should have transferred so that you can now use the bio media as biological filtration in QT. Alternatively, you can pour "bacteria in a bottle" i.e. Bio-Spira over the bio media, and enough bacteria should transfer onto it to cycle immediately. But that gets expensive IMO.

 

[aravindk]

If I just discard QT water and replace it with fresh saltwater, wouldn't the bacteria in the HOB filter sufficient?

 

[HumbleFish]

If I just discard QT water and replace it with fresh saltwater, wouldn't the bacteria in the HOB filter sufficient?

If the bio media in the HOB filter is still cycled, you can do a 100% WC and all is fine. Just don't leave the bio media out of water for too long.

 

[MrTuskfish]

^^^^^^^^Right^^^^^^

There are a couple of posts on this thread regarding "cycled" water. There isn't any such thing. If you take water from a cycled tank, it is no more "cycled" than tap water. A cycled tank has the bacteria, that make our hobby possible, living in the filter media, LR, substrate, etc.

If you want to keep a cycled tank and get rid of the water, fine. Just drain the water and fill with new salt water from any source, keep the bacteria housing media in place and the QT will still be cycled.

I've read, in the new hobbyists forum, about folks who bought used systems and hauled a couple of hundred gallons of used water down 3 flights of stairs, across town, then into the new tank location. This is a lot of work to save a few bucks and totally unnecessary to save the "cycled" tank.

 

[hogfanreefer]

I would run cuprasorb or carbon till your copper is undectable then do a 100% water change.

Just take a little media out of the filter and set it in the tank to make room for the carbon in the HOB. When the copper is gone replace the media, do your water change and your ready to go.

I'm a little OCD so I always add some pure ammonia to raise the ammonia level to about 2 and then see if it's gone in 24 hours. This makes me feel secure that my biological filter has survived the copper treatment and it's safe to add new fish.

 

[aravindk]

thanks guys. these are really helpful suggestions.

 

[MrTuskfish]

I would run cuprasorb or carbon till your copper is undectable then do a 100% water change.

Just take a little media out of the filter and set it in the tank to make room for the carbon in the HOB. When the copper is gone replace the media, do your water change and your ready to go.

I'm a little OCD so I always add some pure ammonia to raise the ammonia level to about 2 and then see if it's gone in 24 hours. This makes me feel secure that my biological filter has survived the copper treatment and it's safe to add new fish.

Logical thinking.

I use Aqua-Clear HOB filters in my QT; they last forever and their huge sponges are perfect for holding our friendly bacteria. I don't even use the little ceramic rings AC started including with the filter several years ago, the sponges are adequate. The sponges are also dirt cheap. Less than $1 when I buy in bulk. I used to just toss them; but thought I could make my own Tempurpedic bed out of the old sponges, just add duct tape. I keep a few sponges in the sump of my main system and am always ready to cycle a new QT full of water.This only saves (as opposed to your system) the removing of carbon from a QT after use; but I just drain all the water, rinse, and refill. Put in a cycling sponge and everything is ready. I used to test for ammonia; but Cupramine won't severely damage the nice bacteria and I trust the stick-on ammonia alert badges----change them often, though.