Quarantine filtration...

[tacks]

Hey guys,
I've got a 30 gallon tank sitting in my basement and would like to get it up and running for the purpose of quaranting for my 125. What filtration do you all recommend? I'm thinking I really don't need anything to fancy. Also, do you need to keep fish in it to keep the "bio-load" going? Thanks.

 

[mr . salty]

I'd go with a hang on the back unit like a skilter,or a whisper.Or a small canister would also work. Like you said though,nothing too fancy would work fine.

 

[tacks]

Thanks Salty,
I just ordered the Whisper 3 Power Filter. "For 20 to 60 gallon aquariums". Obviously I will need to cycle this tank. What do you recommend as far as fish? I'm thinking something not to aggressive... Also, will these fish need to stay in the tank to keep the bio load going? Do you have any fish in your quarantine tank?

 

[caymanlovers]

Same question - how do you keep the biological filter alive?

 

[jacrmill]

as opposed to cycling it, i would just use some water out of your main tank. do a water change, and instead of getting rid of it, put some in your other Qtank. as for the bioload issue, im not really sure. but i would think without something to produce ammonia, the bacteria that eats ammonia would die off. maybe you could keep some damsels or maybe some mollys in there. for a filter you could just use a cheapo sponge filter. good luck.

 

[fixitdude2001]

Dont need anything fancy , as far as a quarantine tank goes, I use a 10 gallon . I dont worry about cycling mine with this size its easeir to just change the water 75% , but in a thirty gallon this could be expensive, MY quarintine came from waLMART IN A KIT FOR 25 BUCKS and if we didnt have the damsels the tank would go down , but I wont take them back to local fish store, he is an a$$ ,so if anyone would like them they are free...

 

[bluto]

I read a book which suggests running a sponge filter in your main tank and then transfering it to your QT whenever it's needed.
Bluto

 

[jond]

That's of if you want a big ugly sponge in your tank all the time. I was told a 10 gal. would be too small for a quarantine tank. How long have you used the 10 and have you used it for any tangs or angels?