qt tank?when to setup?

[bracebldrs]

im new at this hobby and im addicted
have a 55g 3rd month should i set up a qt tank
i have a 10g small bio wheel filter little powerhead
for circ heater etc is that good enough?
i know how to start it ie no substrates
pvc for structure bio mat to start
but how do i keep it going do i take a fish
and out from time to time?

 

[dogstar]

IMO, just set it up when you need it. Run the small filter on the main tank just to keep bacteria alive on it ( could hide some PVC fittings in there too ) and when you get a new fish just use water from the main tank and move the filter and fittings over too and your good to go.

 

[bracebldrs]

are you saying every time i get a fish i should put in qt tank?
and how long. inverts to?

 

[alyssia]

Originally Posted by Dogstar
IMO, just set it up when you need it. Run the small filter on the main tank just to keep bacteria alive on it ( could hide some PVC fittings in there too ) and when you get a new fish just use water from the main tank and move the filter and fittings over too and your good to go.
That is an excellent idea!

 

[alyssia]

Originally Posted by bracebldrs
are you saying every time i get a fish i should put in qt tank?
and how long. inverts to?

Yes, you should always QT new fish for 3-4 weeks. I don't QT inverts, I don't really think many people do.

 

[dirkdaplr]

It is a good idea to qt your fish just even for a couple days to make sure it is eating and doesnt show any signs of a problem that might infect your main setup. As far as inverts go they can be placed into the main display without qt but properly acclimated of course. Also if you have the filter running on the main tank you wont really have to set it up in advance unless you want to keep it running when you dont need it. But just be careful you dont treat the qt with copper and place that filter back into the main display as the copper could leech into the other tank.