what filters do you use for your QTs?

[mikemou]

I'm hoping to find cheap yet functional equipments for my 5 gal QT. Since neither gravel nor live plants are needed for a QT, and I know in the next few months I won't need a heater so pretty much all I need to start is just a filter. I plan to tear down the QT everytime after Q is over, so actually usage is low.

What would be a low-cost yet reliable choice? Any suggestions/ideas?

Thanks for your help!

 

[snapcrackler]

A little aquaclear would be cheap and easy, and you could get a reusable media bag for it so you could throw in whatever you wanted in the bag for media like carbon and then chuck it if needed.

 

[Cichlidguy]

a good sponge filter, and while I'm not using it I keep it in my sump (yes I have a sump for a fw tank)

 

[Talon242]

I use an aquaclear mini for my 10 gal qt.

 

[Menagerie]

I have used a sponge filter, but found it was too noisy with the air pump. Right now there is a TopFin 10 on the QT tank--I think that filter came with one of my 10 gal tanks.

 

[QTOFFER]

I use a Penguin Mini. It's a good filter for any tank 10 gal or smaller, but if I had it to do over, I think I would go with a sponge filter. For starters, a sponge filter is at least 1/3 the price of the cheapest HOB. The Penguin cartridges are expensive and because the tank is used on-and-off, the biofwheel never becomes cycled. Plus the sponge filter doesn't have carbon - a plus if you are using meds. I hate having to remove the carbon from the penguin cartridges.

 

[oscarbreeder]

I also use the penguin mini on my 10 gal QT.

 

[mikemou]

Is this aquaclear www.petsmart.com/global/product_det...<>ast_id=2534374302023693&bmUID=1084806454245
a sponge filter?

Would I find anything cheaper?

 

[QTOFFER]

No, the aquaclear is a HOB. I never used this brand myself, but I've read nothing but good things about them. For price, check out BigAls.

This is a sponge filter - probably the simplest & cheapest filtration you can buy. You do, however, need a quiet air pump, tho. I have two of these filters in my 15 gal betta tank.
http://www.bigalsonline.com/catalog/category.xml?pcid1=2885;category_id=1725

 

[patryuji]

Tetra Whisper HOB for 5-15 gallon aquariums.

I keep it on my main tank to have it cycled for the QT.

When I treat the QT (or if I suspect pathogens) I just give it a strong bleach solution to clean out any bacteria/parasites. Thoroughly rinse under tap water. Let the filter bag soak in a cup of water and test for chlorine to make sure it is rinsed thoroughly and then put it back on the main tank when all seems safe.