QT tank question

[missblonde]

While I cycle my new tank, I wanted to set up a QT tank to begin observing my first Fish purchase so that once my main tank is cycled I'll have performed the proper Quarantine on the first fish. This means I don't have salt water from and established tank or sponge for QT. Any recommendations? Healthy bacteria in a bottle to get it going?

 

[ali1]

While I cycle my new tank, I wanted to set up a QT tank to begin observing my first Fish purchase so that once my main tank is cycled I'll have performed the proper Quarantine on the first fish. This means I don't have salt water from and established tank or sponge for QT. Any recommendations? Healthy bacteria in a bottle to get it going?

Bottles arent recommended. Grab a sponge or live rock from a buddy

 

[CindyK]

I set up my first QT with bacteria in a bottle (I think I used biospira brand) and it worked out just fine. Make sure you have a sponge or some other medium for the bacteria to populate. Add a HOB filter, heater, thermometer, and some PVC for fish to hide in..you should be good.

The issue with using sponge or live rock from someone else's tank in your QT is that you don't know what you are importing in on it. You could be starting with a healthy fish and giving it a disease from someone else's tank. Unless you begin by quarantining the LR or sponge...which is time consuming and a lot of work.

There are multiple stickies on the subject at the top of the "New to the Hobby" forum you might want to check out. Also read the ones on tank transfer method for cryptocaryon irritans (marine ich).

 

[gone fishin]

How big is your QT?

FWIW I very seldom ever cycle my QT. I rely on water changes and seachem prime to control ammonia. I also like to use ammonia alert badges in the tank.

please note that if you are going to be using copper treatment then do not use the seachem prime, this could create a toxic soup.

The only other thing I keep in the Qt is a heater, some pvc pieces for the fish to hide, and an air bubbler or small powerhead. I typically rely just on ambient lighting initially as well.

congrats on wanting to use a QT right off, many do not get that. Good luck just my 2 cents.

 

[missblonde]

Thanks! Its a 10 gallon QT tank since all my fish I want are nano sized for my 36 gallon. My LFS recommended to do copper treatment for the first two weeks of QT then observation - thoughts?

 

[JMorris271]

What Bill said. Keep it simple.

 

[Ou8me2]

You definitely don't want to use anything from the DT to the QT tank or anyone else's tank. It defeats the purpose of a QT tank and that includes old tank water from a DT water change.

This is a pretty good video on Setting up a QT tank from MACNA. I skipped to the QT part, but really the whole video is good information but close to an hour long.

https://youtu.be/PbuEMQ9f8ZU?t=28m2s

 

[gone fishin]

Thanks! Its a 10 gallon QT tank since all my fish I want are nano sized for my 36 gallon. My LFS recommended to do copper treatment for the first two weeks of QT then observation - thoughts?

I personally would not use copper. I would opt instead for Tank Transfer Method(TTM)

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2507836