QT for a 1.5" true percula

[SugarFox03]

I'm picking up a new clown this weekend, and have a 5.5g quarantine tank set up. Nothing in it except some PVC pipe. Will this be ok? Anything else it should have? I've never QT'd before (I know...my bad!) so any advice would be great! Do I need to change the water every day? Its only been set up a few days. It has reef crystals brand salt mix, same I use in my tank.

Thanks in advance!

 

[redvipe2010]

I prefer a 10g but what are you using for filtration?

 

[rogart]

I have used small containers. But one thing I find that works is to take some rocks and sand or gravel from your main display (hopefully already cycled) put it in the quarantine and just put your weekly water change water into the quarantine. This saves time and effort, but more importantly, exposes the new fish to any potnetial infections in your display.

I learned this after putting a new fish through quarantine only to kill it in my display with a fluke outbreak. Apparently, my display fish were all immune or resistant enough to not become fatally infected. I have since added two fish this way, without more outbreaks. They get the flukes and I keep them healthy enough to get through it (even worked for a hippo tang).

 

[tpdpercula]

I agree with rogart. I use my main tanks water in the QT tank when I first start it up and just top it off as needed.

 

[SugarFox03]

Redvipe, I dont have an extra 10g, but the fish is tiny. He should be ok in the 5.5. There's no rock, so he'll have plenty of swimming space. I like the idea of using the tank water. I'll do that today. I'm picking him up tomorrow. As far as filtration, I have a small hang on filter, I want to say its an Aqua Clear? Can't remember exactly, but its for tanks 10-20 gals. I will also do daily water changes, if that would help. The fish is coming from an established tank, the guy has had him for a little while. He eats like a pig, and is doing well. I feel much better about that, as you really never know with buying a fish from a store.

Rogart, my main tank has been up since last April...I would say its pretty well cycled.

So here's the set up: 5.5g AGA, Aqua Clear HOB filter, PVC pieces for hiding, and a MJ400. Does this sound like an appropriate temporary tank for a 1.5" true perc?

Thanks for the info everyone!

 

[cschweitzer]

Yes, water changes can be beneficial. I would hold off on every day, but maybe every other day. A 1G should suffice nicely, just make sure that when you take the water out, siphon it from the bottom where the debris has collected.

You could even put a little piece of LR in there, but do make sure if you hypo or if youmedicate to take it out.

Besides that, sounds like you know what you're doing. Some people like keeping an estblished sponge in their sump and keeping this in their tank to help aid in the good bacteria and help the tranfer to a relatively new environment of a QT. I think that's supposed to help with slime coat also.

Warning, if you keep the sponge in during medicating, do not put this sponge back into your tank sump for reuse for the next time. Better just to throw it out or use it for something completely different.

 

[GSMguy]

your setup sounds more than adequate sugarfox
i would use a gallon from the display everyday for water changes
good luck with the new guy

 

[SugarFox03]

Thanks for the info everyone! I got sent home from work early today (stupid cold) so I have the rest of the day to work on everything. The filter is a Bio-Wheel, I dont know what I was thinking with Aqua Clear. Will this still be ok?

Csch, I don't want to put any LR in there, just in case I have to dose any medication. I'd kill anything live on it! I have a few pieces of base rock that might fit, nothing live on it.

Thanks again everyone! I'll be sure to post some pictures of the little guy once he's settled.

 

[cschweitzer]

Yep, that's why I made it a point to say that you would have to take it out for hypo or medicating... Sounds like you're doing a fine job.