Quarantine Tank Questions

[zKRYt]

Hey all! So the QT tank is in! The tank is a NUVO fusion 10g. I also have the Hydra Aquatics sponge filter in the 10g and 20g size.

So I have a couple questions for setting up a permanent QT tank. The sponge filter will be used in replace of a powerhead and I've heard that the sponge filter can house the good bacteria for nitrification. Is there any downside of using the larger 20g filter vs the 10g filter on a 10g tank?

The tank currently comes with just a filter sock instead of a media basket. Is it better to replace that with varying sizes of filter floss for more places for the bacteria to live or just keep the sock and use only the sponge filter to keep the bacteria alive?

How do I keep the bacteria alive even if there is no fish in the tank for long periods of time? Do I just ghost feed or do, as I've seen some others do, and keep a fish permanently in the QT tank - I'd just feel bad for the fish every time I start medicating.

And finally...What's your QT process? I'm planning on using Prazipro but am on the fence about dosing copper by default - especially if a fish is going to live in the tank...seems like that would just be constant torture. I'd be more inclined to have fish-less QT until needed, but am concerned with how to keep the good bacteria thriving.

Sorry for the long-winded post and appreciate any guidance on how to set this up the right way

 

[tkeracer619]

Hey all! So the QT tank is in! The tank is a NUVO fusion 10g. I also have the Hydra Aquatics sponge filter in the 10g and 20g size.

Cool

So I have a couple questions for setting up a permanent QT tank. The sponge filter will be used in replace of a powerhead and I've heard that the sponge filter can house the good bacteria for nitrification. Is there any downside of using the larger 20g filter vs the 10g filter on a 10g tank?

Nope, Run the bigger one if you want.

The tank currently comes with just a filter sock instead of a media basket. Is it better to replace that with varying sizes of filter floss for more places for the bacteria to live or just keep the sock and use only the sponge filter to keep the bacteria alive?

It would be nice to have a media basket. Both the sponges and the filter sock will require some maintenance but either would be fine. I'd lean more toward the floss or basket myself.

How do I keep the bacteria alive even if there is no fish in the tank for long periods of time? Do I just ghost feed or do, as I've seen some others do, and keep a fish permanently in the QT tank - I'd just feel bad for the fish every time I start medicating.

It really depends on how the qt goes. If you have a bad qt and everything dies. I bleach the tank. If all goes well I just ghost feed. It is often best to observe and treat what you see, if you have copper running and you need to treat for something copper doesn't help you may be out of luck. Having a place to use carbon helps keep the tank clean between rounds and then have a good assortment of medications on hand, the fish store will be closed when you need them. I keep... Copper, Chloroquin phosphate, Prazi, Formalin, neomyacin, metrozonal, and focus on hand. For healthy fish from someone elses healthy display I observe and do TTM/prazi

And finally...What's your QT process? I'm planning on using Prazipro but am on the fence about dosing copper by default - especially if a fish is going to live in the tank...seems like that would just be constant torture. I'd be more inclined to have fish-less QT until needed, but am concerned with how to keep the good bacteria thriving.

See above

Sorry for the long-winded post and appreciate any guidance on how to set this up the right way

Use a substrate that you can vacuum and create lots of hiding spots. Try to make them as natural as possible. Successful QTing is tough and will take some time to master. Many of us still have a lot to learn.

 

[zKRYt]

Really appreciated the response. Do you have any recommendations for things that create good hiding spots other than PVC piping? I've been struggling to find anything that looks natural and serves that purpose

 

[Grimreaperz]

Really appreciated the response. Do you have any recommendations for things that create good hiding spots other than PVC piping? I've been struggling to find anything that looks natural and serves that purpose

The reason people use PVC piping is mainly because there are no crevices for any type of pests/pest eggs to hide out or stay safe.

If you are going with something other then PVC just make sure it has a smooth surface.