QT Tank Equipment & Chemicals

[Cuddlefish69]

What equipment and/or chemicals are needed for a QT tank? I was planning on using a 20gallon tank and using the water from my main system when performing a wate change. (ie. drain water to QT tank and fill DT with new salt water). I could do a 2 gallon water change everyday that my QT tank would be running. I don't want to run a separate QT all the time, only when I new livestock. Can this be done or do I need any other equipment / chemicals. TIA.

 

[Cuddlefish69]

Also, how long should fish be QT'ed before they can be relocated to the DT. Any links to QT articles would be appreciated as I clearly need to read up...

 

[ReefMonkey13]

I'm also scoping setting up a QT tank. I found this thread to be very helpful:

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2195588

Good Luck

 

[Waddleboy]

Its simple to set up with basic equipment. The link provided has everything you need. But to answer your question you can set it up only when you have new fish. Its what I do. I just prepare my qt before new fish come and treat with some ammonia lock and everything does fine. I usually seed it with a sponge that i have letting soak in my DT tank so that way it gives it a start. Equipment wise HOB filter, heater, net, (pvc pipes for the fish to hide), ATO (optional), light source (optional i like it personally get them use to the light cycle). Chemicals are your own choice. An ammonia lock is good to have especially if its not going to be constantly running, and treating proactively is personal choice. Some people swear by it others dont. Also minimum time in QT I would say 4 weeks. If you can do longer its always better. Its also 4 weeks from the last time that you saw something wrong with the fish.

 

[Cuddlefish69]

What do you guys think about a 1 gallon water change every day using the DT water instead of setting up a skimmer and using ammonia lock etc? My thought is that it will get the fish used to the DT parameters and also keep the QT water levels in check. Obviously, I would need a heater and an air pump but I am thinking that that is it for equipment.

 

[alton]

What size fish are you talking about?

 

[Cuddlefish69]

Small reef safe for a 120 DT

 

[alton]

For 3" fish or smaller I use a 29g with a pond foam filter that I normally keep in my sump to collect bio material. I use Prazi-Pro, if something else where to pop up I would add copper if need be. Out of ten fish I have never had to add copper. I do give them a fresh water bath before placing them in the QT tank. For larger fish I use a Rubbermaid 100 gallon tub fille up 2/3's full. And yes I use water changes from my display tank

 

[tippmannsniper]

I have never had to add copper.

Me either.. Though whether from a LFS or a fellow reefer, I typically only buy fish that are already healthy and eating so I have a pretty good idea of what condition they're in

I do give them a fresh water bath before placing them in the QT tank.

How long are your dips for?

 

[alton]

10 to 20 minutes. Some fish take it very well so they stay 20, if it looks like the fish is really stressed I stop it after 10. I think it is more stress on me placing a $250 fish in a freshwater bath? I also like to feed food mixed with Metronidazole and Focus.

 

[keithhays]

This is for DIPs which are pre-quarantine:
http://www.reefland.com/forum/marin...tment/18887-freshwater-dip-marine-fishes.html

It gives all the specifics that you need as well as link to a fully stocked QT system.

 

[alton]

Nice post, one thing I forgot to mention and the previous article did not either is I like to have an airstone in the freshwater bath.

 

[KeithB]

Why the air stone? Is there a reason other than oxygenation?