QT set up q's

[AMD30]

I need to know if i need my qt tank to "cycle" before i can examine fish and treat them if necessary? or can i just dump some display tank water into a 20 gal qt and put a HOB skimmer on it and thats it? or do i need to put live rock in there also? not sure how to set it up?
any input would be great. also has anyone successfully treated their fish in a qt and have it survive and never get sick again?
thx
tony

 

[Puffer Queen]

QT or hospital tank should be bare bottom - no substrate as this will absorb medications and if hyposalinity is used, the microfauna will die off and cause water instability.

Skimmers are not necessary and should not be used if medications are being used as it can remove them.

Live rock should not be used with any type of treatment - as medications and salinity will kill off microfauna. Porous materials like rock will also absorb medications.

An air driven sponge filter that has been cycled for at least 3 - 4 weeks works well for biological filtration. The filter can be cycled in the sump of an established tank or with pure ammonia in a separate tank or container.

Hope this helps.

 

[AMD30]

ok great thank you so much! guess i have to buy a sponge filter. and the sponge has to be cycled for that long for me to set up a qt right now?

 

[Puffer Queen]

Do you have any hobbyist friends that have a cycled hang on the back filter that can be used?

I would recommend buying at least two so you will always have a spare.

Best of luck.