My QT!

[sov82]

Here it is...my QT Playscape...Its a 29 gallon.
Cost:
29 Gallon (already had)
Glass Top (aleady had)
Light (already had)
Powerhead (already had)
Heater $20
Filter $38
PVC Pipe: $3
Refratometer $50
If someone is out there and doesn't have those top 4 items, they will run you about $50-$85. I also dont run the powerhead unless Im mixing in new water...just to get it to mix faster. I figure since the fish are a little weak from their illness, they could use a little break. I also opted for the Emperor 400 which could be considered a little large for a 29 gallon...so I have decent flow from that.

 

[beth]

Now that is a nice QT. If you can, you might want to add some fake coral in there. I know they are pricy.
Is it cycled?

 

[sov82]

I used 100% main tank water and some sand from my main tank. I'm feeding them just enough food so none collects on the bottom. If I see any waste or extra food floating around, I vacuum it out.
I've testing twice a day for ammonia and there are no signs...so Im hoping I won't ever get a cycle on it.
The tank was setup this Sunday.
I did this same process on my girlfriends tank a few weeks ago when she upgraded to a bigger size. We actually even changed from crushed coral to sand as well. There never was a cycle and all inhabitants are happy!
If I do have any ammonia issues, I plan on doing water changes. Once I remove the fish, I'll cycle it the "old fashion way" if necessary.
Thanks.
Matt

 

[sov82]

I'm having to do 20% water changes with distilled water every day to keep ammonia down. I was getting tired of dropping $5 a day on distilled water so I ordered a RO/DI unit...I needed one anyways.
Fish are looking good and doing well however.

 

[beth]

sov82, you're doing a great job and in my book have just advanced by leeps and bounds in this hobby. Putting the horse before the cart so to speak. Believe me, you will not regret the RO. You can even hook one of these up to your refridgerator as well as use it for tank water. I was amazed how clear my ice got after hooking up my water line to the icemaker.
Just don't forget to change the filters. You might want to invest a few bucks on a TDS meter.
That is a really nice looking QT! Why do you have more than one fish in there? Are you treating?

 

[sov82]

Yes treating all for Ich. I wish it was cycled...as soon as these 4 are out and back into the main tank, I am cycling it. Until then, the battle against the cycle is on and I refuse to lose any fish to ich or a cycle!

 

[beth]

I'm assuming that you are using hyposalinity?

 

[sov82]

yes

 

[beth]

You could help cycle and water quality by adding a small piece of LR. Yes you will be sacrificing the LR, but the truth is, the LR will make a comback as per my recent experiement on this. As long as you don't add medication.