What needed for a 10gal qt tank?

[Hockey0000325]

hey guys

What would I need to convert a 10 Gal tank into a QT for my system?

[Sisterlimonpot]

A heater, a simple hang on back filter, a couple pieces of big PVC elbows, and lights are an option. Oh and go bare bottom, makes it easier to clean in between uses.

[podcar]

I like to put a little rock or something in there as well.

[meco65]

It depends how it will be used. If you mean QT just to watch the fish, or to do a QT and add copper or do Hypo-salinity, If so you do not want sand or LR, both copper and hypo would kill all the bacteria anyway.
Like Sisterlimonpot said “A heater, a simple hang on back filter, a couple pieces of big PVC elbows, and lights are an option. Oh and go bare bottom, makes it easier to clean in between uses.”

[Sisterlimonpot]

Yeah I wouldn't use rock because of its ability to absorb. And when you have to treat with medication that rock is no longer safe to use.

[Hockey0000325]

ok newb question here. the big pieces of pvc elbows are for what hiding spots? Cause I do plan on using this as a QT and a Hospital if need be!

[meco65]

Yes for hiding spots. To help the new fish feel more secure.

[Sisterlimonpot]

Originally Posted by Hockey0000325

ok newb question here. the big pieces of pvc elbows are for what hiding spots? Cause I do plan on using this as a QT and a Hospital if need be!

yes hiding spots, helps lower the stress level and more surface area for bacteria.

[Hockey0000325]

Yea thats what I thought! But regular aqurium lights are ok for the QT period of 3 weeks?

[Sisterlimonpot]

? Don’t understand the question. Are you asking about lights for a QT? if so any light will work, just something so you can monitor them.

[meco65]

Yes regular aqurium lights are ok, as most people do not QT corals, whitch Qting coral would take the reef light's.

[meco65]

Most that QT corals use a well established observation tank.

[Hockey0000325]

Yea thats exactly it ok so unless quarantining corals regular aquarium lights are good. Also I should remove the carbon from the filter and use floss correct as the carbon would take out any medication I put in if ever needed for hospital?

[Sisterlimonpot]

yeah, if you have to medicate remove all carbon as it will absorb most of it.

[meco65]

I would use the carbon except when using meds.

[Hockey0000325]

got ya! you guys are the best! Thank you both so much! Ive seen you both on and you are very knowledgable! Thank you again!

[Sisterlimonpot]

I don't know if I'm the best, I can't genetically mutate my tang to have a trunk from an elephant.

[Hockey0000325]

Lol

[meco65]

Lol.

[Sisterlimonpot]

maybe it's just the food you feed.

[luvdiving]

U mean acanthurus elephantis?

[meco65]

Yes I love my elotang. I found the pic on the net and have had it a lond time. I thought it was a great photo shop job.

[Tschupe]

what kind of filter for the QT?

[terri_ann]

any hang on the back filter will do...you can get one with a bio-wheel or whatever you like Do you plan to keep the tank up and running all the time? If not, you could hang a HOB on your sump for bacteria...if not, you could keep a filter, etc. in the sump to provide some bacteria when you fill your QT.

If you do get corals, I would recommend that you QT them as a precaution. People have put corals in their DT without QTing and subsequently have had problems.

Although everyone has their own timeframe for QTing, I QT for 6 weeks. Longer if a problem develops. I want them fully acclimated to their food, gives plenty of time for any problem to show up and becoming use to me feeding them. So happy that you are setting up a QT/hospital tank for your tankmates!

[PRDubois]

Originally Posted by hockey0000325

ok newb question here. The big pieces of pvc elbows are for what hiding spots? Cause i do plan on using this as a qt and a hospital if need be!

correct!