Standard QT Specifc Gravity

[krzyphsygy]

Read an interesting article just now on QT and it said that one hobbiest keeps the QT at 1.016 and adds all of his new fish to this QT at this S.G. with no acclimation. The reason being initial shock to any parasites. He said he keeps the QT at this S.G. for 2 weeks and then slowly brings it back up. He said he has done this for many years with no problems. And has acclimated 100's of fish this way.

This kinda sound good to me. Just incase the parasites are in the gills...

 

[krzyphsygy]

...

 

[snorvich]

Read an interesting article just now on QT and it said that one hobbiest keeps the QT at 1.016 and adds all of his new fish to this QT at this S.G. with no acclimation. The reason being initial shock to any parasites. He said he keeps the QT at this S.G. for 2 weeks and then slowly brings it back up. He said he has done this for many years with no problems. And has acclimated 100's of fish this way.

This kinda sound good to me. Just incase the parasites are in the gills...

1.016 will have no effect on any parasites. Sorry. 1.008/1.009 will affect cryptocaryon irritans but will have no effect on brook or velvet.

 

[MrTuskfish]

1.016 will have no effect on any parasites. Sorry. 1.008/1.009 will affect cryptocaryon irritans but will have no effect on brook or velvet.

+1
Years ago, many FOWLR tanks were kept at about 1.017; but parasite control had nothing to do with it. The lower SG is "lighter" water and was ( still is, in some circles) thought to be easier on the fishes systems and even offer less resistance while swimming. I know some expert, long time hobbyists who swear that their large Angels, etc., are more active at a lower SG. Salt is cheaper too, many large facilities keep fish at a lower SG and I kept my tanks (no inverts) at 1.017 for years with no problems. No effect on parasites, though.

 

[krzyphsygy]

Yea, Just thought I would check in, sounded good when I read it. So I guess, the QT should be kept same as display? Then I could lower if I need hypo.

What are your guys and girls out there keeping your QT at??

 

[hvacman250]

I run QT at .019 or .020 simply to use less salt. Breeding clowns and fry use the same SG water.

 

[snorvich]

I know many LFS and online stores that keep their water at 1.019 to save on salt. Which makes a LOT of sense given the massive volume of water they keep. I know of no benefit to the fish however. There is a school of thought (myself included) that feels that lower temperatures are health beneficial to fish which at the very least provides a slightly higher level of dissolved oxygen. I keep my tanks at 77F

 

[krzyphsygy]

My display is going to be kept at 1.026 so I will keep QT around there. Lower temps help in fish health huh? Do you keep a reef at this temp Snorvich? Or just Fish only? I like the lower temps as well. But in my mind warmer seems more comfortable, but thats probably just because I hate the cold...lol.

 

[MrTuskfish]

I keep my QT at the same params as my DT, the water comes from my DT at WC time. Doing this, fish need to only be acclimated to new SG, PH, temp, etc., once. When QT time is up, I can just toss them in one of my tanks. Slow acclimation for new fish going into the QT is , important, of course.

 

[krzyphsygy]

I keep my QT at the same params as my DT, the water comes from my DT at WC time. Doing this, fish need to only be acclimated to new SG, PH, temp, etc., once. When QT time is up, I can just toss them in one of my tanks. Slow acclimation for new fish going into the QT is , important, of course.

So how many QT's do you keep? I have 2 getting ready to be set up. I wish I only needed one of course. But I figure one for fish and the other for coral. I feel like I'm getting a little nuts with the QT thing though.
If I only kept one, that would mean I could not buy coral and fish at the same time or on different times. because if there is a coral I want and it was in a tank where ick was present it could pass on to my fish in QT so a seperate QT makes sense to me.
Plus, my display is not set up so I can not pull bacteria or water from my display. Thoughts on cycling a QT?
I guess once i get past the cycle, put the first fish in QT to build bacteria?

 

[snorvich]

Lower temps help in fish health huh? Do you keep a reef at this temp Snorvich? Or just Fish only?

I keep two largish reef tanks. Although a FOWLR tank tempts me, if I were to do another large tank, I would need to replace my very patient wife. But if I did, it would be at 77F

 

[krzyphsygy]

I keep two largish reef tanks. Although a FOWLR tank tempts me, if I were to do another large tank, I would need to replace my very patient wife. But if I did, it would be at 77F

Lmao..... How many QT's do you keep?

 

[MrTuskfish]

I have a 55 gal QT for new fish that is easily divided if fish aren't getting along. Also have another 55 ready to go if needed; like temporary quarters for a fish that need to be moved, etc. My basement is 2/3 fish plumbing and equipment and space and mess aren't a problem. Also a big frag tank that my friend and helper uses to QT corals. Here's the best way I know to maintain a QT cycle, I've posted it often. Foolproof, cheap, & easy---IMO & IME

"
In regards to Qt cycling; I've done this for years. Get a HOB filter; I really like Aqua-Clear, they have a big sponge and last forever. Don't use the carbon or ceramic noodles that come with the filter. Also, have some extra sponges on hand, they're cheap. Keep a sponge in the flow somewhere in your DT. When you need a QT or HT, just use the sponge that has been in your main system in your QT filter---the QT will be instantly cycled. When done, toss the sponge and keep a new one ready in your main system.
BTW, Cupramine copper, used in a QT,will not destroy a bio-filter."