Quarantine questions

[johndodd]

I have 2 quarantine questions if y'all don't mind.
First, it seems to me that I need to keep my QT up and running all the time if I might buy something on the spur of the moment. Is this what most people do?
Second question is about sponges. I was just reading that they should not be exposed to the air, you should open the bag under water letting the water and sponge escape together. I guess that's OK for the QT but is that really ok for moving them to the DT?
Thanks

 

[al mc]

Answers: #1: People do keep the QT up and running and 'ghost feed' the bacteria...meaning you add a small amount of food every 2-3 days to keep the bacteria happy and healthy. Alternative. Close up the QT. Keep a media bag full of the ceramic media used in many canister filtration systems in your sump (if you have one) and the bag will host the bacteria. When you want to reestablish the QT you put in water from the DT during a water change, add the media bag to the filter on the QT and 'viola'..instant
cycled QT.
#2: Sponges are not to be exposed to air and you will need to chance some QT water getting into the DT on transfer.

 

[johndodd]

Originally Posted by Al Mc
http:///forum/post/2467216
Answers: #1: People do keep the QT up and running and 'ghost feed' the bacteria...meaning you add a small amount of food every 2-3 days to keep the bacteria happy and healthy. Alternative. Close up the QT. Keep a media bag full of the ceramic media used in many canister filtration systems in your sump (if you have one) and the bag will host the bacteria. When you want to reestablish the QT you put in water from the DT during a water change, add the media bag to the filter on the QT and 'viola'..instant
cycled QT.
#2: Sponges are not to be exposed to air and you will need to chance some QT water getting into the DT on transfer.
Thank you,
I've been reading about sumps and planning on setting one up anyway. The bag of ceramics is a terrific idea and another good reason to have a sump.