QT Tank W/Substrate

[Ldesp]

My previous QT tank was barebottom with the typical, sponge filter and PVC pipe hiding places. It seemed to me that alot of the fish I would put in would get spooked from the barebottom, reflections I am guessing. It also seemed that the fish seemed stressed and did not act very natural in the tank.

I know it is easier to clean the tank ect when barebottom, But is there any other reason why most people choose to use barebottom only in QT tanks. I am about to setup a new QT tank and I am considering a thin layer of substrate similar to this crushed coral ....

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=3578+10741+7322&pcatid=7322

I am thinking it would make the tank more natural and probably reduce the stress on newly added fish to the QT tank.

Also I do not like to use any medications so I am not planning on using any in this QT tank.

Any opinions or advice?

Thanks

 

[redfishsc]

Quite honestly in a QT tank, pretty much anything cheap will work if you have fish that like some substrate.

I would be inclined to using pool filter sand, like you can get at Lowes- it's very clean, fairly coarse for a sand, and the stuff I had was very light and easily moved/cleaned.

It's also silica based (no it will NOT cause silicate problems, the pH of the aquarium generally prevents much of the silica from becoming dissolved). Not being calcium based, I would suspect it would not absorb any possible medications the way calcium-based stuff might.

 

[Ldesp]

thanks for the info... I do not plan to use any medications in this QT tank... I do not like to use meds unless aboslutely neccessary.

I have a bag of this crushed coreal already thats why I asked about it however I am willing to get some sand if people recommend that?

Thanks again.

 

[1DeR9_3Hy]

Being able to use meds is a big advantage of QT. I would really like to be able to reserve that ability if you can.

Meds, when dosed correctly are wonderful! Do your research, treat the medicating as if your were taking it your self. Its hard to kill a fish when properly dosed.

 

[illsquaddotcom]

I'd say go for it, Its also important to me that my QT looks fairly good so that I don;t mind leaving new recruites in it for extended periods of time before they go into the Display.

You could also paint the bottom white or beige if you wanted

 

[jenglish]

I would think that silicate sand may be less likely to absorb any meds you used.

 

[Ldesp]

i have some white stirefoam "if thats how you spell it" cushion under the tank but i want it to be as natural as possible so i will look around for some white silicate sand.

 

[Macimage]

I use live rock and live aragonite sand in my qt. I think it really makes a big difference.

I have a separate hospital tank for meds if necessary.

Joyce

 

[Ldesp]

What about flow? What kind of powerheads are you guys using or are you just relying on the filter for water circulation?

 

[goochesfish]

I will try using the black backing on the bottom of the QT

 

[Macimage]

Originally posted by Ldesp
What about flow? What kind of powerheads are you guys using or are you just relying on the filter for water circulation?

I use a Remora Pro with a Mag 5 that aerates the top of the water and a Maxi Jet 1200 for flow.

I also have a 50 watt heater and a set of lights that I usually do not turn on.

Joyce

 

[tmz]

The only advantages to barebottom I can think of at the moment are: ease of cleaning, siphoning the bottom will also remove cysts and parasites; the sand may hold infections from fish to fish that make a stop in qt;and, of course, meds.

 

[tmz]

PS For wrasses and other fish that need sand a tupperware bowlfull works well and is easy to dispose of after using. Fish really like pvc hideouts too.

 

[wooden_reefer]

I definitely want high capacity nitrification filration for my QT when possible, but I also want the filter medium removable.

The filter medium can be removed and placed into a smaller container, so the QT can be put in storage for standby.

I'd paint the outside bottom of the QT and use only a shallow substrate so that it is not a major part of biological filitration.

 

[goochesfish]

Well, putting the black backing on the bottom doesn't seem to help the reflection. The fish looked freaked on initial entry and were swimming along the bottom nose down like they were chasing their reflection.

Is one MJ1200 enough flow for a 29 gallon QT? I also have a hang on back filter for biological. They don't like the PVC either, looks unnatural. What do you think of fake coral decor for hiding places?

When will my new fish eat? It's been 2 days and do I siphon out the uneaten food?