QT question

[justrelax]

I'm going to my first auction this saturday and hope to pick up a pair of apisto's. I have an empty 10 gallon that I would like to use as a QT. What is the best way to prepare for this?
What kind of filter (link please) should I buy to establish on my 55.
Is a week long enough to get a bio-filter on this filter?
Should I plan on pulling some of the ceramic out of my xp2 to increase the effectiveness of the bio-filter in the 10?
Is bare-bottom ok for a QT, or should I put some gravel in there?
Any other comments are appreciated, thanx!

 

[zacusmaximus]

For small QTs I use a sponge filter and a small HOB. One or the other would suffice, I have specific reasons for keeping both in my QTs.

If you use some old media from a mature tank you'll be able to cycle the new one pretty quickly. Do your testing though, since everyone seems to have a different timeline when using old media/substrate.

I keep my QTs barebottom. Much easier to clean and break down if you need to make room for something else.