5 gal. Eclipse ? What to do?

[bergshawn]

I have a 5gal. Eclipe tank that used to be for freshwater but is not just sitting collecting dust. Was thinking it might be a good idea to make this a QT or HT to compliment my new 55gal FOWLR tank. What exactly would I need? Do I just take 5 gals from my 55 and put it in the 5 gal, and just use the filter that came with the eclipse? I suppose it would probably be a good idea to buy a new bio-wheel since this will be salt, and the only one I have was used for fresh.
I am having a problem with a yellow-tailed damsel right now that is bothering a mated pair of percula clowns I just put in my 55. I am going to give him the night and all day tomorrow to hopefully calm down, otherwise I'm going to have to tear down my tank and LR and try and catch him. Was thinking it would be particularly useful to have a QT I could put him in for a few weeks and then but him back in the 55, where he probably would not be as territorial and the clowns would be settled in. Just don't want a $2 fish stressing out and killing my $60 mated pair of perc. clowns.
What do you all suggest?

 

[beth]

What you would need to consider with a 5 gal tank is: Is this size tank able to accomodate the fish that I have or plan to have? A single small fish would be fine in a 5 gal, as long as you are very attentive to the water quality in that tank. The smaller the tank, the less forgiving it is.
Glad to hear that you're interested in setting up a QT. At the top of this forum is a thread titled FAQ. There is info in there regarding setting up QTs.

 

[bergshawn]

It has been suggested by others on another board that I set it up as a refugium instead. Not sure what I am going to do, if anything. Was just trying to make the most use of what I have. Thanks so much for your response Beth.

 

[beth]

Well, a QT is very important to quality fish care and tank care. If you are going to have small fish or get fish when they are small, the 5 gal will do.

 

[bergshawn]

I'm going to read the FAQ mentioned. But basically, just that 5 gal. along w/ the Eclipe In-Hood filter will work just fine? I won't need a skimmer or anything on this tank? What about sand and rock? Do I just put a few inches of live sand and maybe a few lbs of live rock in there along with water from my established tank? Or should I start fresh with a fresh cycle? I'm going to read the FAQ. I bet everything is answered there
Thanks for bein such a great help Beth!

 

[beth]

If you read the FAQ section, then many of your questions are answered. As for the eclipse, I'm using that on my QT for a 20 gal tank. It works very well for me. I also use a fluval underwaterfilter, which is handy too. No skimmer necessary.