QT Set-Up Questions

[customdusty]

I posted this on another forum, but I quickly found out this would be a better place.

Basically, I need to set-up a QT system, after finally learning my lesson of not having one. My primary reason for not having one is that I don't have space to either store an extra tank and set-up when I need to, nor do I have a spot to keep an unsightly tank out of sight. I do have a couple of spaces where I can set up a small system, but it will be in rooms/areas of the house where it will be in view and absolutely can not be an eyesore. I have read the Reefkeeping Magazine article many times, and understand the basic needs of a system, but for aesthetic reasons I just can't follow the recommendations.

The purpose of this tank is to be a quarantine set-up for for not fish to go in for a couple of months to make sure they are healthy and free of disease before going to the DT. I have a good habit now of dipping corals and ensuring they are clean before entry, but they typically go directly into the DT after the dips. As a secondary role, I would consider the possibility that should I find the need to treat a sick fish - that I would do it there, since I would not be compromising the health of coral or inverts.

Basically I was considering a Nano type system 20-30 gallons, with a basic sump, skimmer set-up. More or less, I want to maintain it is a typical FOWLR tank all of the time as an established system as it serves this purpose as the gateway to the main tank.

Is this safe and can it work? Does anybody do this?

 

[jjk_reef00]

Sounds like you are on the right track. IMO you don't need a sump, or skimmer for your qt especially if it is small (10-20 gallons) because it is easier and more important to do large water changes 30-50%.

It really depends on what fish you plan on keeping. Small fish will be fine in a 10 gallon tank for quite a while. I have a 10 gallon with a 1" angel in there right now. All I have is a hang on the back filter. I really like that setup because the filters have filter cartridges that collect free-floating waste, and the cartridges have carbon in them.

Currently I'm treating copper so I took the cartridge out (it absorbs copper).

The other thing that is nice is that I can drop the water level in the tank 1-2" and let the hang on the back filter drop water into the tank. That aerates the water so I don't have to put an air stone in there.

Look into a 20 gallon long.

 

[customdusty]

I need to choose typical sump type system or an all in one set up so I have a place to hide equipment. As I said, it absolutely has to be aesthetically pleasing, or it doesn't get done - no ifs ands or buts says the "boss" at home. For this reason I immediately assumed using a skimmer, because that is what is typically included in these set-ups, and what I am used to working with on my DT.

Again, the primary purpose will be to have an established and stable system used for observation. My question lies in the potential effects of if someday I had to do some treatment, could I do it in an established tank and what effects should I expect.

 

[arctictwist]

Well if you ever treat with copper absolutely none of that equipment should ever really be used with invertebrates. You risk it being absorbed and leaching back into the water.