QT question

[I MD]

My LFS recommended adding a little sand (1 cup spread out extremely thin) to the bottom of my 10 gallon QT (which I intend to keep running for the next 5-6 months as I slowly continue to stock my DT), because it helps the fish feel more at home and feel less stress. On RC, keep reading that QT should be bare bottom.

(1) Is that because the sand can harbor parasites that won't die if you have to treat in the QT? Or is it because if you need to treat for a bacterial infection, you will kill the benefecial bacteria in sand that is helping with the biological filter, and will then get an ammonia spike? Note that for the QT bio filtration, I also have a power wheel HOB filter rated for 30 gallon tank with sponge filter and some of the bio-media balls from my cannister filter from DT. So, I am assuming this thin layer of sand is probably not doing much for my bio filtration.

(2) Any thoughts on pros vs cons of a little sand in the QT

(3) Related, can one use a couple pieces of dry rock for hiding places in QT (won't ever use this rock for anything else and never put it into DT) or is it best to use PVC elbows?

 

[gone fishin]

You are correct if you had to treat or had ich for example you would need to toss the sand. There or some wrasse that like to bury themselves in sand in this case you could place a cup of sand in the QT for the fish.

for hiding places PVC fittings work great. When your done clean them up and reuse. The trouble with rock in the QT is if you medicate the rock can adsorb the medication, copper for example. This would reduce your effective medication. good luck just my 2 cents worth.