Hospital tank.

[Jmlorfam]

Is there a ratio of cycled water to new water when setting up a hospital tank. Everything Ive read doesn't address this issue. I want enough to prevent a "new cycling" but not so much as to duplicate my DT. Or more specifically how much will keep the tank from a full cycle? If this doesn't make sense I'll drink more beer until it does

 

[Purevil21]

Water doesn't carry the beneficial bacteria that eats ammonia and waste, that is in the filter media, rocks, sand, even if you put 100% water from your DT into the hospital tank it is not cycled.

 

[Jmlorfam]

Ok now this doesn't make sense, why put DT water in a hospital tank? Or am I reading these articles wrong?

 

[Purevil21]

There is no reason to put DT water in a hospital tank. Many people believe incorrectly that water is the vessel for beneficial bacterial in your water. You need to have established filter media or rock to avoid a cycle in a QT.

 

[Jmlorfam]

That makes sense. Every article Ive read recommends putting DT water into the HT. I couldn't for the life of me figure out why. It really makes putting sick fish in a HT risky tho. Unestablished filter system is going to cycle (yes?) and that means dealing with ammonia and nitrites. Thank you for you advice.

 

[Purevil21]

No problem, how big is your hospital tank?

 

[Jmlorfam]

No problem, how big is your hospital tank?

I bought a 40g kit from the LFS, because my tang developed ich. Not dealt with this problem b4 and don't want to lose him. He is clearing up nicely (using the Hypo-salinity approach) but I'm worried about the water. i now find myself testing daily with water changes. I just bought ammo lock (I'm desperate to not let ammonia get outta hand) and am trying it out. Its a sort of feel your way through the dark approach right now.

 

[Purevil21]

I understand, it can be rough when you have to go on the fly. Just be diligent checking the levels and do a lot of PWC if anything arises.