QT Ready or Not?

[littlej2455]

I set up my first QT a little over a week ago. I thought it was about time because I have been in this hobby for several years now. Now I wanna start to use the QT tank before I add any new fish into the main aquarium. I cut out a piece of my filter pad and put it in my QT's filter. I also just bought 2 pieces of figi live rock that seems to be growing some small spots of algae already. I was just wondering since I already have some algae growth and a piece of the old filter in there, how long do I have to wait until I put in my first fish? I know usually it is 4-6 weeks but since I added those things, shouldn't that speed it up a little?
PS I dont have any sand. It is very basic.

 

[crypt keeper]

no sand needed. test it. No trites no ammonia you're golden

 

[life~reefer]

I wouldn't have added the live rock. If our going to use copper medication then that will just kill the live rock. If you take it out before you use copper medication and into a different tank than your good but you would have to take out all of the old QT water and clean it out then put all new water in and then put the live rock back inside. In my Qt I just have some different sized PVC for fish to find shelter. Just my opinion.

 

[florida joe]

If you take it out before you use copper medication and into a different tank than your good but you would have to take out all of the old QT water and clean it out then put all new water in and then put the live rock back inside
What ?????

 

[littlej2455]

Originally Posted by Life~Reefer
http:///forum/post/3053865
I wouldn't have added the live rock. If our going to use copper medication then that will just kill the live rock. If you take it out before you use copper medication and into a different tank than your good but you would have to take out all of the old QT water and clean it out then put all new water in and then put the live rock back inside. In my Qt I just have some different sized PVC for fish to find shelter. Just my opinion.
I dont know what your talking about. But yeah I tested and the nitrates, nitrite, pH and ammonia levels are solid. I just don't wanna do it too soon.

 

[florida joe]

You need to challenge your QT tanks bio filtration. Add a piece of cocktail shrimp and monitor

 

[littlej2455]

Originally Posted by florida joe
http:///forum/post/3053883
You need to challenge your QT tanks bio filtration. Add a piece of cocktail shrimp and monitor
What do you do? What do I look for?

 

[al mc]

Originally Posted by littlej2455
http:///forum/post/3053895
What do you do? What do I look for?
I believe Joe is suggesting that you challenge your biologic/nitrogen cycle before adding fish. Many people will add the shrimp to cause the ammonia to spike then watch as the ammonia is changed to nitrites, then the nitrates.
This may take a couple days, but once the ammonia and 'trites' are '0' and the 'trates' are elevated you know that your 'good' bacteria are set.

 

[littlej2455]

Originally Posted by Al Mc
http:///forum/post/3053912
I believe Joe is suggesting that you challenge your biologic/nitrogen cycle before adding fish. Many people will add the shrimp to cause the ammonia to spike then watch as the ammonia is changed to nitrites, then the nitrates.
This may take a couple days, but once the ammonia and 'trites' are '0' and the 'trates' are elevated you know that your 'good' bacteria are set.
thats cool, i have never heard of this before. Thanks for the help.

 

[al mc]

Originally Posted by littlej2455
http:///forum/post/3053918
thats cool, i have never heard of this before. Thanks for the help.
I would test the ammonia level 2x daily. When you see it just start to rise (.5ish) pull out the shrimp.....

 

[florida joe]

Originally Posted by Al Mc
http:///forum/post/3053912
I believe Joe is suggesting that you challenge your biologic/nitrogen cycle before adding fish. Many people will add the shrimp to cause the ammonia to spike then watch as the ammonia is changed to nitrites, then the nitrates.
This may take a couple days, but once the ammonia and 'trites' are '0' and the 'trates' are elevated you know that your 'good' bacteria are set.

Exactly and to the OP if you do not already have a good book on marine aquarium keeping may I suggest investing in one, alto this hobby is constantly evolving the fundamental foundation is the same.

 

[littlej2455]

I think I might look into that. I just ordered a fish from this website (first fish that I bought online, i hope it works out) and I am planing on putting it in the new QT tank.

 

[al mc]

Originally Posted by littlej2455
http:///forum/post/3054367
I think I might look into that. I just ordered a fish from this website (first fish that I bought online, i hope it works out) and I am planing on putting it in the new QT tank.
Good luck. Post any questions that come up.

 

[littlej2455]

Originally Posted by Al Mc
http:///forum/post/3054464
Good luck. Post any questions that come up.
Thanks, and will do!