Q-tank questions

[virginiadiver69]

My main tank is cycling and I am about to set up my Q-tank and I have a few questions.

1) Should I use fresh mixed salt water or water from tank?

2) Assuming I use water from tank will new/fresh filter media be okay or should I let filter for my power filter "season" in my sump. If so, for how long to build bacteria?

3) can I leave a filter pad in sump all of the time so I can have one ready whenever I need one?

4) when Q-tank is operating with fish, should I run carbon or just filter pad?

5) are water changes done with fresh mixed or tank water?

I think that is it for now. I appreciate all answers.

 

[Hattie B]

Re: Q-tank questions

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=9209679#post9209679 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by virginiadiver69
My main tank is cycling and I am about to set up my Q-tank and I have a few questions.

1) Should I use fresh mixed salt water or water from tank?

that depends on what you want to do. I always have started them with water from my main tank, but if your is just cycling then it might be close to the same so its up to you. Either way, you will have to moniter water quality quite a bit.

2) Assuming I use water from tank will new/fresh filter media be okay or should I let filter for my power filter "season" in my sump. If so, for how long to build bacteria?

A seasoned sponge is the best way. You can start off that way, but once in the QT don't put it back in the sump, for possible contamination issues.

3) can I leave a filter pad in sump all of the time so I can have one ready whenever I need one?
Not if you treat the QT with something; I personally would not.. I have a small and a large QT, a small being 10g so I just put it under the sink and it runs all the time, I have a super cheap HOB, sponge filter..

4) when Q-tank is operating with fish, should I run carbon or just filter pad?

filter pad, carbon will strip out any (if any) treatment you are administering

5) are water changes done with fresh mixed or tank water?

again, up to you. I use old tank water personally.

I think that is it for now. I appreciate all answers.

 

[virginiadiver69]

Thanks once again Hattie B.
On the seasond filter isue. My plan was to always have a NEW and unused filter going in the sump ready to use. They are cheap after all. Does this sound like a good idea.
Approx how long will it take the filter to "season" in the sump?

 

[Hattie B]

ya that sounds like a good idea. I am not 100% sure, I think it depends on the bacteria, a couple weeks to really take hold would be my guess. =)