Talk to me about QT's

[jones1483]

What size is needed and how many of you use one?

 

[FTMMWS]

A QT can range from 10 gallons to 50+ ...Wish i had a 55 just recently but all i use is a 30 gallon tote now...Used to use a 29 but turned it into an angler tank..

 

[jones1483]

So a tote would work? I kinda want one but I don't want to have to run it non stop I would like to have it for new fish but if it needs live rock then it would need to run non stop so it don't keep cycling right?

 

[FTMMWS]

A tote will work .No need to run it all the time.Do you have a heater and an HOB filter?
I always put a couple small pieces of LR and some media from my DT in ..No cycle that way..You can even scoop some sand from DT if needed

 

[jones1483]

I have an extra heater but would need to get a little filter for it.

 

[Innovator]

20-40g is plenty for most animals. All you need is a sponge filter, heater, and pvc for hiding. This can also be "Searched." As for cycling, avoid it by doing 50% water changes daily and no, it doesn't need to stay running 24/7. As a matter of fact, you should sterilize inbetween fish qt periods.

 

[crister13]

Also, you can take a filter pad out of your sump brcause it has some bacteria and will help with the "cycling".

 

[apinkmanatee]

Why don't we want the qt tank to be cycled? Won't that hurt the fish?

 

[Innovator]

If you perform 50% water changes daily then there won't be NH3 to process while the bacteria count stabilizes. In addition, most meds will interfere with parameter testing anyways.

 

[apinkmanatee]

If you perform 50% water changes daily then there won't be NH3 to process while the bacteria count stabilizes. In addition, most meds will interfere with parameter testing anyways.

Sorry...total newbie. If I already cycled the tank and at the moment will be using it to introduce a new fish, not treat any diseases (fingers crossed), is it ok for it to be cycled?

 

[jones1483]

It's okay for the tank to be cycled. They were referring to the tank didnt need to be cycled if u did daily 50% water changes. I was wanting to know this info cause I don't want my QT to run year around. Just when I need it.

 

[apinkmanatee]

It's okay for the tank to be cycled. They were referring to the tank didnt need to be cycled if u did daily 50% water changes. I was wanting to know this info cause I don't want my QT to run year around. Just when I need it.

Thank you. I was just making sure. This hobby can get complicated. Don't want to do anything wrong!

 

[melosu58]

An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure: A Quarantine Tank for Everything by Steven Pro - Reefkeeping.com