Going to set-up a 10g QT tank. Can I use......

[saltyjewell]

Can I use the water I take out of my 170g during a water change to get the 10g qt tank running?(2/3rds used tank water to 1/3rd new)
I really want to get that chromis out as soons as I can and am picking up an old 10g tank I left at my parents tomorrow while I'm there.
Its just going to be simple with a side filter(aqua), heater and a couple small peice of live rock from my 170g.
Another thought since it's just the one clown the chromis picks on should I maybe take him out until he(or she) heals?
I don't drive so it could be a couple weeks before I can get back to the IFs that will take the chromis.

 

[lighteningthes]

That is how I did mine last Weds! I used original tank water and some fresh water. Crab some substrate too while you are at it. No live rock though. Live rock no no for quarantine.

 

[deejeff442]

+1 to the substrate thats where all the bacteria is .there is hardly any in the water.
but the fish will feel less stressed with the familliar water.

 

[florida joe]

You can but there really is not advantage to it

 

[vsecret]

i'm looking to set up a 10g hospital tank tomorrow. So we dont have to use substrate? I've been told that we have too, ad also that we should not.
Im not sure what advice to take. and When i do a water change from my main tank, should i fill like 6 gallons into my 10g from my main tank and fill the rest with new water?

 

[ophiura]

Originally Posted by florida joe
http:///forum/post/3103285
You can but there really is not advantage to it
I agree...
I would only do it if you are setting up an "emergency" QT and have to move a fish without any acclimation or anything. As in you set up the tank, add water, and add the fish immediately.
But as a general rule...
There is no advantage to using old tank water. It does not "cycle" at new tank...it is the LR you may use from an established tank that helps as a biolgical filter...though in a QT, live rock is not always ideal. In this case you are not so much setting up a QT, as you are setting up an isolation tank for some bully fish.
In a QT, the tank tends to have PVC and no substrate to allow for good cleaning. So it would be some other biomedia from the established tank (eg bioballs) that would help sustain the biological filter in the new QT.
So using old tank water basically means using old dirty water in a brand new tank. Sets you back a bit, IMO.

 

[saltyjewell]

I would really like to get that chromis out so I think I'll use at least half of the old water. I can put in the bit of sand I've sucked out with the water changes and I think I'll put in a little peice or two of live rock but will remove that and put it back into the main tank before I start using the 10g for QT new fish