QT Cycle Question

[bneal]

If I use %100 water from my main tank, do I need to cycle, and if so, approx how long?

 

[clarkiiboi]

Thats what I did with a water change---filled my QT, checked parameters for a few weeks and the tank was ready to go, no problems. BUT is your main tank established? fully cycled? etc. that will make a HUGE difference.

 

[bneal]

Yes, my main has been up for about 3 months. I am acctually setting it up for a hospital right now, and then will use it for qt.
My fish have ick, but the worst one my clown is finnaly letting some shrimp clean him up, but I still want to rid my main tank alltogether, so I want to pull all my fish out.

 

[clarkiiboi]

Just from my experience. Like you said all the parameters are ok in the main tank, then there should be no problems taking water from the main into the hosp/QT. Just add a filter, heater (if necessary), and some hiding spots. I used cheap "fake rock" not uncured just fake) or pvc piping. The tank should be the same as your main, but just make sure (ease of mind). I also, before I knew better, added a thin layer of LS, but you should paint the bottom to help with reflections and aggressiveness towards themselves. Yes, get all the fish out, and start hypo from there. HTH

 

[bneal]

Thanks, Clarkii
That is what I wanted to hear. I did read to add a cup of your substrate, in my case cc. I went ahead and did this becaues they said it is not enough to absorb any meds, and I figure it will help with ph.