QT Tank Biological Filtration

Dbroncos · 10/04/2010, 06:56 AM

Can I just take some of my filter floss that has been in my DT and out that into the filter in the QT tank for biological filtration? Or is that not a sufficient breeding ground for beneficial bacteria?

thegrun · 10/04/2010, 07:04 AM

That is how most of us do it. You do need to closely watch the ammonia levels however, as you stated, the floss may not be enough to keep up with the bio-load. Frequent water changes are the key. I like to use water from the DT the fish will eventually end up in for the water changes; it makes the acclamation easier when you do move them into the DT.

jeff@zina.com · 10/04/2010, 08:36 AM

Air-driven sponge filters are great for this. Leave them in the DT or sump for a few weeks to season and your QT can be set up at any time.

Jeff

Palting · 10/04/2010, 08:44 AM

Yup, that's how it's done. The floss or sponge from your DT will seed the biological filter in your QT. Depending on your bioload, which shouldn't be much as we are talking one or two fish in QT, that may or may not be enough. Most people use a HOB filter. I use a cannister, and keep the biomedia in my sump until needed. Just keep an eye on the ammonia to trigger more frequent water changes if needed. Some people use an ammonia indicator that sits right in the tank.

You can use the water from the DT for water changes, as long as you are also not treating the DT. For example, if you are leaving the DT fishless for Ich, then you can not use that DT water.

rayn · 10/04/2010, 10:56 AM

Agree with all others, but will add stability by seachem. Basically bacteria in a bottle that can help. I use it in my QT and no ammonia.

10/04/2010, 06:56 AM	#1
Dbroncos Registered Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Posts: 155	QT Tank Biological Filtration Can I just take some of my filter floss that has been in my DT and out that into the filter in the QT tank for biological filtration? Or is that not a sufficient breeding ground for beneficial bacteria?

10/04/2010, 08:44 AM	#4
Palting Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Ohio Posts: 6,912	Yup, that's how it's done. The floss or sponge from your DT will seed the biological filter in your QT. Depending on your bioload, which shouldn't be much as we are talking one or two fish in QT, that may or may not be enough. Most people use a HOB filter. I use a cannister, and keep the biomedia in my sump until needed. Just keep an eye on the ammonia to trigger more frequent water changes if needed. Some people use an ammonia indicator that sits right in the tank. You can use the water from the DT for water changes, as long as you are also not treating the DT. For example, if you are leaving the DT fishless for Ich, then you can not use that DT water. __________________ Anything I post is just an opinion. One of many in this hobby. Believe and follow at your own risk of rapid and complete annihilation of all life in your tank :) Current Tank Info: Incept 3/2010, 150 RR, 50g sump, 20g fuge, 150w 15K MH x3, T5 actinics x8, moonlight LED x6, 1400gph return, Koralia 1400 x4, 300 g skimmer, 4 tangs, 2 mandarins, 2 perc, 6 line, 3 cardinals, 2 firefish, SPS, LPS, zoas, palys, shrooms, clam

10/04/2010, 10:56 AM	#5
rayn Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Pekin, Il Posts: 2,864	Agree with all others, but will add stability by seachem. Basically bacteria in a bottle that can help. I use it in my QT and no ammonia. __________________ Currently changing, stay tuned for new details...

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10/04/2010, 07:04 AM	#2
thegrun Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Garden Grove, Ca Posts: 17,023	That is how most of us do it. You do need to closely watch the ammonia levels however, as you stated, the floss may not be enough to keep up with the bio-load. Frequent water changes are the key. I like to use water from the DT the fish will eventually end up in for the water changes; it makes the acclamation easier when you do move them into the DT.

10/04/2010, 08:36 AM	#3
jeff@zina.com Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Naples, FL Posts: 3,345	Air-driven sponge filters are great for this. Leave them in the DT or sump for a few weeks to season and your QT can be set up at any time. Jeff