another quarantine question: water changes

[fishfreek]

When i set up my Q-tank, when should i do water changes? Should i test for ammonia frequently and do a water change than? Do a water change with new water or from main tank?
Thanks

 

[beth]

Well, I guess I have to ask...is your QT lifeless? Meaning there is no fish or LR? How are you trying to cycle it?

 

[jimi]

I do not have the time to keep a qt up and running so I prefer to set it up prior to buying a fish with half tank water half new water.I then do water changes as the treatment goes along it requires more attention to your water readings but easier in the long run in my opinion.

 

[beth]

Tha't pretty much what I do to jimi. Probably not the "best" way, but time and space are valued commodies in my life.

 

[fishfreek]

Thanks for your replies. I was planning on setting up the q-tank a day or two before i bought a fish, than taking it down after fish goes into main tank (a month or so).
So i should just test for ammonia often and do water changes according to the readings?
Thanks again.

 

[beth]

Yes, check for water quality readings more often. But, I've had a QT up and running now for almost 2 mos, 20L, with 3 fish in it--one a hippo tang with HLLE. It has powerhead, Fluval canister and some bleached coral heads I took from my old FO tank. Have not gotten any ammonia, nitrites, or cycling. While the tank was seeded by the old dead rocks I took from the other tank, I did not use old tank water, just distilled water.

 

[jbirdy]

I have a 10 gal QT. It gets set up for new fish and taken down after the treatment. I usually QT three small fish at a time. I do 50% water changes twice a week to keep ammonia down. This technique is working for me.