quarantine tank canister filter

[ChuckG]

Setting up a new canister filer for a QT tank..

How effect are ceramic bio rings at hosting nitrifying bacterea?

I am wondering if it be prudent to replace the bio rings that come with the unit and instead use crushed coral that would not only provide surface area but some buffering capacity as well. Might have to rinse out the crushed coral with tank water when it get clogged.

Does this sounds like a good idea or are bio rings the best when it comes to hosting bacteria in a canister filter?

 

[RBU1]

I would stick with the bio media but it will need time to colonize....

 

[ChuckG]

thx.. I have bacterialy active fluval sponge in a HOB filter right now that is approx 3/4 way through the cycle.

I was going to loosely place those sponges into the the 1st chamber of the new canister being mindful not to let them drain or dryout in the process.

I'll leave the sponges in there for a couple months undisturbed but should probably start cleaning them eventually. How long might it take for bacteria to start populating the new bio rings to a point where I can disturb the sponge? I assume boosting the ammonia level might help the bacteria to start populating the rings?

 

[wooden_reefer]

Setting up a new canister filer for a QT tank..

How effect are ceramic bio rings at hosting nitrifying bacterea?

I am wondering if it be prudent to replace the bio rings that come with the unit and instead use crushed coral that would not only provide surface area but some buffering capacity as well. Might have to rinse out the crushed coral with tank water when it get clogged.

Does this sounds like a good idea or are bio rings the best when it comes to hosting bacteria in a canister filter?

The biorings should be OK.

Buffering effect of crushed coral is good, but if you use copper, calcareous material will cause straight copper level to drop. I actually like this situations, but many people do not.

One advantage of a canister filter for QT is that you can cycle in a separate container of any shape, even a round one. A 5-gal round bucket with just 3 gals of water will allow you to cycle the medium in a canister filter very well and easily. For an HOT power box, you need a container with a straight edge to cycle with, not a big deal.

 

[ChuckG]

thx.. was one of your posts I read that had me decide to replace the HOT with the canister. You're a good salesman. When the QT tank goes down.. like you said I'll run the canister on a bucket of water with a 50w heater down in the basement and throw some food in once a week to keep it active.

I figure it will also come in handy in about a year to house the fish seperatly when the main tank needs to move to a new house.

 

[wooden_reefer]

thx.. was one of your posts I read that had me decide to replace the HOT with the canister. You're a good salesman. When the QT tank goes down.. like you said I'll run the canister on a bucket of water with a 50w heater down in the basement and throw some food in once a week to keep it active.

I figure it will also come in handy in about a year to house the fish seperatly when the main tank needs to move to a new house.

A 12 gal rectangular container is just $4 at wal-mart.

I won't pay full price for a canister filter over a HOT power box, but if you have one don't sell it cheap.