quarantine size

[reachjohnnyliu]

Just getting started with my first tank and was wondering. Why do people use such large tanks for quarantine? I thouhgt the general rule was 1gal/inch of fish. Most of the fish I see are rather small so using the above rule, it would seem like a 5 gal quarantine tank would be big enough.

 

[HumbleFish]

More water volume = greater protection from ammonia spikes, which is probably the #1 killer in QT.

A 10 gallon QT is fine for small fish.
20-30 gallons for 2-3 medium sized fish.
And I recommend a 40 breeder for larger fish.

Of course, some people have to use a 55, 75 or larger for very big fish.

 

[nereefpat]

A 20 long is about perfect in most cases. It's big enough to house most small and medium sized fish for a few weeks. The tank itself can be found for 20$ at Petco. Any bigger, then water changes take more effort, and it takes more meds to get desired titer.

 

[alton]

I have had my best luck with a 100 gallon rubbermaid tub for QT of fishes. Not sure if it is the black sides and the fact the fish have to look up at me for food or what? Right now I am fighting Ammonia like Humblefish has stated. I have tried Dr. Tim's and API with only getting it down to .25. Nitrites are 0 and Nitrates are at 10. I have an LFS that is getting in Fritz Turbo 900 for me to try.

 

[Bruce51]

I use 2 10 gallon tanks during ttm, then transfer to a 20 gallon long that's been cycled for the remainder of my quarantine. I did this with 3 small (about 1 inch long) bangai cardinals with no problems