QT filter and skimmer? Also, how long to seed?

[ScooterGuitar]

Another newbie to basic QT, though I've done sw tanks for 20 years,

I have a nice 20g that used to a sump, so it has 3 different chambers, so I might separate the few fish I want to add to my established tank.

I always read use the cheap corner sponges, but would a HOB like the Aquaclear be better? I have four old ones lying around, though they might now work anymore so I am planning on just buying new.
What do you think of these?
Internal wet/dry
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3579+18381&pcatid=18381&s=lh

Rapids mini
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=16742


Secondly, I have an old small skimmer, this be good to use on the QT tank?

Lastly, how long do I need to seed the sponge and/or filter media in my display tank before it can handle a few fish in QT?

I plan to start the seeding this week and possibly get the fish the following weekend.
Thanks for any input

 

[Gwynhidwy]

If you are placing the new fish in a sump that is connected to your DT, you shouldn't need additional filtration, but you also aren't really quarantining the fish as any diseases and/or parasites will be able to travel to the DT with the return flow.

If it is for a separate tank, placing the filter media in the sump of your DT for 24 hours is usually sufficient to get started, but a week is better. I use an HOB filter and prefer them to the corner sponge filters. If the filter cartridges used have any chemical media in the middle (the whisper ones have carbon for instance), this can interfere with medications and should be removed if you medicate. I use a square filter pad clipped to the frame from the normal filter pads for the HOBs that I have.

Skimmers can be helpful for removing waste in quarantine, but many medications are incompatible so you may need to turn the skimmer off depending on if and what you plan/need to medicate with.

 

[wooden_reefer]

Another newbie to basic QT, though I've done sw tanks for 20 years,

I have a nice 20g that used to a sump, so it has 3 different chambers, so I might separate the few fish I want to add to my established tank.

I always read use the cheap corner sponges, but would a HOB like the Aquaclear be better? I have four old ones lying around, though they might now work anymore so I am planning on just buying new.
What do you think of these?
Internal wet/dry
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+3579+18381&pcatid=18381&s=lh

Rapids mini
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=16742


Secondly, I have an old small skimmer, this be good to use on the QT tank?

Lastly, how long do I need to seed the sponge and/or filter media in my display tank before it can handle a few fish in QT?

I plan to start the seeding this week and possibly get the fish the following weekend.
Thanks for any input

In general, you should not just collect bacteria, but you should cycle the medium intended for QT deliberately and very well.

After you have collected the bacteria seed, let the bacteria grow in a filter medium in the QT if you do not have fish yet. You do so by adding ammonia source, circulate and allow gaseous exchange. If you are using the QT in a bind already, cycle in a separate container.

You do not need a skimmer in QT.

QT and DT must be completely separate, to the last drop or mist.

 

[ScooterGuitar]

Thank you both very much.
They will not be connected.
I have my old HOB pumps soaking in vinegar now, hopefully they can be useful still.
I'm going to trhow a few old nylon webbed scrubbers (no toxins/cleaners) I used to use for establishing new tanks, get it started asap.
Thanks for the help.