quarantine tank setup

[jerseysaltwater]

what is the minimum requirements to set up a quarantine tank? to keep from crashing my 26gal again, i just want to put the LS and LR in it, and, once the water is stable, i was thinking of moving 5 gallons into a minibow tank. what is the least expensive but effective way to handle filtration / circulation / heating in the QT tank? i figured after 3~4 weeks have passed, if all looks good, i can move the fish into the main tank. advice / comments please? thanks in advance, eddie.

 

[claireep]

sorry i can't help you...but i am sooo glad you asked cuz i have been pondering this too!!
also, is it necessary to quarantine your first fish since there is nothing in the display tank??

 

[jerseysaltwater]

i think the Qt is still necessary in case the fish needs to be treated with any copper based medications. from what i've read on this wonderful board, any copper introduced into the main tank makes it impossible to place any inverts in the tank, which i would guess would mean no clean-up crew (snails, crabs, shrimp)

 

[saltwatervirgin]

I don't know about all of the requirements, but I've heard about using the water from your display tank in the quarentine tank. Like when you do your water changes in the display tank, instead of disposing of it, use it in your quarentine tank.
I'm no expert, I've just read this in several places.

 

[birdy]

Check out the disease and Treatment forum there is a sticky with everything you need to know about setting up a QT

 

[kiddow]

i dont have my qt set up yet, but i have read that you dont put and lr or ls in it(because if you have to use meds ect they will always be in the lr and ls, bare bottom(paint it black or put it on something black) and a simple sponge filter(you can put somewhere in your main tank for a little bit(to get the bact. started to cycle the qt)
heater and something (pvc tubing or fake aqu. deco) for the fish to hide/hang out in
lights are optional ( the lack of light can help reduce stress)
so i am setting up 10 gal qt soon, the size depends on how big/many fish you may have to qt at once
good luck hope this helps
there is alot of info on the diesese and treatment board here too