Quarantine question

[Vince272992]

Hi so I just set up a 20gal QT system that has been sitting around for about 3 months and anyway I'm probably going to put my new mckoskers flasher wrasse in there tomorrow and I used about 16 gallons of my old tank water from my 65gal and the other 4 gal was brand new water. I have 2HOB filters a 200watt heater and a 700gal per hour power head and PVC pipe in there so my question is will it be ready for the fish tomorrow and also i have about 2-3lbs if live rock in there to try and stop a cycle from happening but do I need it. Any other pointers or info I could use would be great
THANKS

 

[nonimmigrant]

If your filter is new, you will likely see a NO2 spike even if you use your DT water. You may need to do some significant water changes in the beginning should they spike. I keep my QT running 24/7.

 

[Vince272992]

the filter has been used on my old saltwater tank for 5 months and has been sitting without running in my garage for 3-4 months so would that still be a issue

 

[06bug]

Just toss or clean the sponge that is in your filter if it is used and has been sitting dry for a while. For a qt tank, it is ideal to use a sponge that has been sitting in your dt sump to start up the bacteria in your qt tank. From what I remember, there is a post on here on how to set up a quarantine tank. In a pinch, I'm sure filling your qt with established water from your dt will work just fine. Just keep it running for your next fish buy. Good luck.

 

[rssjsb]

Water doesn't cycle, so using water from your old tank won't help. You'll need some medium that has bacteria, like a sponge or live rock from an established system.

A filter that has been sitting out of water (or in water that isn't heated or circulated) for 3-4 months is almost guaranteed to start a cycle in your new tank. Live rock will help, but you'll have to monitor and be prepared to do water changes. I know a lot of people are skeptical of such products, but you could also pick up some BioSpira as an insurance policy. I've used it with good success in the past.

 

[Vince272992]

k then where could u get that

 

[JhonQ]

Bio-Spira... You can usually get at Petco or go on marinedepot.com they also sell it...