treemanone2003
Aquarium Advice Addict
Well, that was an interesting debate. Thanks for your opinions ....from all of that, I will NOT put the water into my tank, I don't have a QT, so they will have to go directly into the main tank. I take it a qt would be say, a 20ltr tank, cycled? And how long would you leave the fish in it before transfer, and what do you do with the water in that tank once you do the transfer? Thank you... Love the fact that so many people are so helpful and patient to us newbies, it's nice to be in a group that is passionate about their hobby. I love my fish!!
First off, what I have to say that really caught my eye about your reply, was the word "debate". That's really right on !! As for my OPINION, about your questions, it goes like this. I think a 20l (5g US) is too small for most fish. I would recommend at least 37-75l (10-20g US) is better. Cycled, of course. If your confident with your main tank having no issues, then I would suggest adding a sponge filter to accumulate beneficial bacteria (bb). I have used the advice from my importers, that a minimum of AT LEAST 4 weeks but better to be 5-6 weeks. Again, this is my own personal opinion and experience. As well, it will depend on the fish, invert, plant, etc AND your ability to commit.
With regards to the water after. Another big "debate". As bb requires ammonia to continually keep the cycling consistent, it will depend on your needs/abilities. You can move that filter setup back to your main tank, as kind as it's disease free, or toss it and start over. For me, I put it back in the main unless I see or have an issue. Then I start all over again. For the water in the tank, WC's are they way to go provided you have an ammonia source to keep the bb up to par. If I missed anything, please respond or add to it.