Quarantine Tank

[josh f]

I am going to set up a 10gal quarentine tank for fish and maybe inverts, do I have to cycle the tank? I want to do it quick if I can, do I need LR and all that or can I have no substrate and maybe some base rock? what about filtration? do I need a sump and everything, or can I use some sort of hang on filter? or will some LR do all the filtration I need? thanks

 

[rlv695]

i would not use LR for a qt tank.... sometimes you will need it as hospital tank so .. lr might die durring treatments..use base rock if needed...mayby some CC...and yes a hang onfilter will do...a biowheell will work...a damsel tooo cycle would help...just keep him in there to keepp tank going....

 

[b_ball12_99]

You can use cycled water from your main tank to make it a lot faster.

 

[rlv695]

its not just the water that has the bacteria in it...helps but its not all thats needed..might try letting the hang on filter be in main tank a few weeks too...then it get same bact, that in main...

 

[tangs_in_pacifica]

You'll also want to make sure to put plenty of hiding places in the Q-tank. I've found that PVC pipes, etc. work great as they're easily cleaned. Your fish will get stressed if they can't hide.

 

[tangs_in_pacifica]

You'll also want to make sure to put plenty of hiding places in the Q-tank. I've found that PVC pipes, etc. work great as they're easily cleaned. Your fish will get stressed if they can't hide.
I use a cheapo hang-on filter for my 20 gal. Q-Tank. If you're going to be using copper, you should buy a copper test kit. This is especially critical since the Q-Tank is likely to be new and need frequent water changes.
Also, don't over-treat! SOmetimes, there's a temptation to use a lot of meds in a Q-Tank because... well... it's a Q-Tank. This can really hurt the fish. Give the meds plenty of time to work. Also, be careful to research every fish you're treating. I found out the hard way, for exammple, that pygmy angels are very sensitive to Copper.