Quarentine tank?

[Crustyshellback]

I understand the concept of the quarantine tank, and it seems like a really good idea. I'm a relatively new enthusiast who only has two tanks. one 20 gal and one 55 gal. I don't add fish very often. I'd like to quarantine new fish, but how do I maintain a quarantine tank when there are no fish to inhabit it. I don't want to cycle the tank every time I want to add fish. Would I have to keep sacrificial fish in the quarantine tank to maintain the environment? Doesn't seem humane. Also, my 20 gal is a community tank and my 55 gal is semi aggressive. Any fish I kept in a quarantine tank might be at the mercy of the fish under quarantine. Last question. I've read where people keep quarantine tanks anywhere from 3 to 20 gallons. Is there a right size?

 

[Saekalive]

You can always put shrimp and snails in. They work with almost anything


-Weston --Sent Via The Space Time Continuum--

 

[ImACoolguy]

Keep 1 or 2 sponge filters running on your main tank then you just set up a quarantine whenever needed. Sponge filters will hold a cycle so you don't have to cycle it every time. 20g is a good size for all small- medium size fish.

Edit: or just run an extra HOB. I run double filtration on all of my larger tanks.


Caleb

 

[Crustyshellback]

thanks

Thanks. That makes perfect sense.

 

[sinibotia]

Keep 1 or 2 sponge filters running on your main tank then you just set up a quarantine whenever needed. Sponge filters will hold a cycle so you don't have to cycle it every time. 20g is a good size for all small- medium size fish.

Edit: or just run an extra HOB. I run double filtration on all of my larger tanks.


Caleb

Dangit Caleb you stole my line! I agree though, I run a sponge filter on all of my tanks so I can easily set up a quarantine any time. It's a simple cheap filter that only requires an air pump to work. You can even make them yourself.