QT tanks

[GiantBen]

I don't currently run a QT tank, but with my next system I was thinking it would probably be a good idea. For coral, I'm guessing a rather small tank is just fine. I was even considering a BC8 with a Par38 bulb over it. Seems like this would work well enough, and I could keep it in my stand.

My question is about what people are using to QT fish. I've read that this is a good idea, and it seems reasonable, but how would you QT a tang for example? Isn't putting it in a small tank going to overly stress it anyway? Seems like to QT fish, you need a QT tank almost as big as your display. Do any of you QT fish? Do you have large systems setup for QT'ing fish that require lots of swim space?

 

[gdm42001]

I have a 20 gallon in the garage, I set it up if I am going to get a new fish, have not bought a fish in a while.
I have a spare heater, HOB filter/skimmer, put some stuff in there for it to hide behind and a 24" T12 light, I like to leave it in there for a couple of weeks. I have had a couple never make it out of there. If they need to be treated, I can use anything I want without fear of killing my corals or inverts. Better than having to fish it out of the display tank, breaking off and knocking over corals in the process.
As James would say "Quarantine,Quarantine,Quarantine"

 

[GiantBen]

Thanks for the reply Guy. So is it okay to toss a tang in a 20 gallon QT tank? The two weeks in the tank wouldn't be too much for them?

I am using tangs as an example because such a big deal is made of the space requirements they need, but this applies to any fish that needs some room.

 

[Grant W]

I would have replied also but I havn't bought a fish in so long and my thoughts have changed from it will be fine to Hell No without a qt first lol

 

[GiantBen]

I hear ya Grant. The more you have to lose, the less cavalier you'll be with it. You have several nice fish, that would not be worth the risk of skipping QT.

The stocking list I'm planning for my next tank is:

Kole Yellow Eye Tang, Yellow Banded Possum Wrasse, 2 clowns

Maybe:
Flasher Wrasses (or two), Yellow Watchman Goby

Five fish is about teh limit of what I want, so we'll see what I end up with. I'm somewhat concerned about trying to QT the tang in a small tank, so it will probably be the first fish I get, go straight into the display, and I won't add anything else until I am sure it is healthy. The other fish could be QT'ed in a relatively small tank I think.

 

[northbay-reefer]

QT stressed out the fish and takes too much IMO I add the fish directly to the tank. Pick your fish carefully and keep the water quality at a high level and you will be fine in most cases.

 

[Grant W]

Ben make sure you cover the tank. I have lost several flshers in the past to carpet surfing and the other wrasse will probably give them a reason to jump at least at first. Nice fish list thou.

 

[coralfarmer]

Man, Tom you like to live life on the edge. I usually agree with your advice but in this case I totally disagree. Quarantine!

 

[santarosasalt]

What about the tangs James? I'm also wondering. That's the next fish that I would like to add and I only have my old 29 gallon that I can use as a quarantine tank. Would that be ok if the tang was purchased small?

 

[northbay-reefer]

James QT is so over rated

 

[gdm42001]

My Tang lived in that QT tank during the entire Elos build, and has lived another 3 years past that.

 

[santarosasalt]

Sounds good. So you won't send the tang police after me if I keep a small tang in a 29 gallon for a couple of weeks.

 

[GiantBen]

Ben make sure you cover the tank. I have lost several flshers in the past to carpet surfing and the other wrasse will probably give them a reason to jump at least at first. Nice fish list thou.

Yeah, I've got a 2" euro-bracing on the tank. I've been trying to scheme a way to suspend some egg crate inside the euro-bracing, so that it isn't that noticeable. Maybe some clear nylon screen? I really want something that is minimally noticeable. I've been thinking about it even more since my clown surfed last month....

 

[coralfarmer]

Make sure there are no gaps with the egg crating. I had a more than few people tell me stories about how there fish jumped out ended up on the egg crate and baked under their halides. Yumm.
BTW If you put the tang in first good luck putting anything else in the tank yellow eye tangs can be aggressive.

 

[GiantBen]

Thanks for the heads up on the tang. I was going by liveaquaria's info page (http://liveaquaria.com/product/prod_display.cfm?c=15+43+345&pcatid=345), which has them listed as peaceful. I've been mainly trying to avoid anything that is even semi-aggressive and thought that gave me some latitude on stocking order. Do you have a recommended order? Prior to considering the QT issue, I was planning 2 clowns, possum, tang. The last two might have been added together if I couldn't get them locally, and had to order them.

As for the egg create, yeah, whatever I do is going to be intended to be pretty tight. Having my one year old asking my to put the jumper clown back in the tank (instead of the trash) was something I'd rather not do again...

Appreciate all the feedback everyone. Coming soon to a forum near you: Advise on stand building. Hope you all don't mind my incessant questions.

 

[Grant W]

Re:Stand building. I will be building a stand for Bob if he can ever get his new tank here from LA. That is going to be a complete swap out so would be a good session to see and maybe lend a hand during the process also. Get in touch with Bob(Thysrof) on RC for details and timing.

 

[GiantBen]

Will do, thanks Grant. I'd be willing to lend a hand in return for some learning

 

[gdm42001]

BRS has screen material and framing that looks good http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/store/window-frame-diy-aquarium-tops.html

 

[GiantBen]

BAH! Just made my BRS Group Buy Order....