How long to cycle a QT tank?

[jdragunas]

when your ammonia and nitrites are at 0, you're cycle's over. Then you do a water change to get your nitrates down to > 20ppm. I'd say after that, wait about another week, do a water test, and if all levels are good, you're ready to add a fish. Remember, only add one at a time, and space additions apart at least 2-4 weeks! (otherwise, you'll shock the tank.)

 

[bunnyl99]

Thanks Jenn--you always come through for everyone! So--do I remove the dead shrimp now? Won't that lengthen my cycle leaving it in?

 

[bunnyl99]

Also--how much of a water change/?

 

[jdragunas]

yes, you can remove the shrimp. It won't lenghten your cycle, because now you have the bacteria in the tank that processes ammonia. If you leave it in there, it'll just continue to raise your nitrites... and eventually give you more nitrates.
As for how much of a water change, well that depends on how much nitrates you have after the cycle is over. People normally do about 25%.

 

[blue oasis]

Since we are new to this addiction, why do people set up a QT for, is it for when you have fish that are sick only?
N & G

 

[jdragunas]

not necessarily. People put new fish in a qt for a few weeks before adding it to the main tank, to make sure they're not carrying any parasites. It's also good for a territorial fish that's bullying everyone. You take him out for a week or two, then reintroduce him to the tank. He'll have to find a new territory around the other already-established ones

many benefits to a qt.

 

[jdragunas]

p.s. i liked your use of the word "addiction" lol

 

[bunnyl99]

this hobby is definetly highly addictive!

 

[mythrenody]

I'm gonna be setting up a QT after i get my 55gal running. Is it alright to keep some inverts in it?

 

[bunnyl99]

I would not. Try to have patience w/the tank. Fish are not for cycling. I cycled my 120 gal w/damsels & wish I had not. It kills fish or makes them aggressive. Take your time & use a raw shrimp like is recommended on this site

 

[jdragunas]

you can keep inverts in it, as long as you don't plan on using that tank for hyposalinity or copper-based medications... Inverts are extremely intolerant of copper. QT tanks are mostly used to treat diseases, so it's probably not a good idea to keep inverts in it, as they cannot be in a tank with copper, or hyposalinity.