QT Temperature

kilroy217 · 02/06/2009, 07:14 AM

Hi all,

I am trying to set up my quarantine tank out of an old 20 gal freshwater setup that I had laying around. I am using all of the old equipment, including the biowheel power filter that I used when it was a freshwater tank, as well as the old heater that I had in the tank. Only one problem is that the heater is cranked all the way up, and the tank has maxed out at 72 deg F for at least 3 days now. #1 - is that high enough? I know it's on the lower side of acceptable, but is that sufficient for a QT? #2 - If not, is there anything I can do other than buy a new heater? The tank is in my basement, so I think that has something to do with these temperature issues.

Thanks in advance for your advice.

kzickovich · 02/06/2009, 07:20 AM

QT is for observation and to avoid stress from new tank mates so by putting a new fish into a cold tank your causing stress to the fish. As for trying a fix just junk it and buy a new one for a 20 gal tank I'm sure you can find one pretty cheap JMO.

True Blue · 02/06/2009, 10:03 AM

You Definitely don't want to put any fish in a tank at that temp.
Buying a new heater may be your only choice.
Good Luck

_E_ · 02/06/2009, 10:38 AM

I agree, it sounds like you need a new heater.
Eric

_E_ · 02/06/2009, 10:44 AM

Found this calcualtor to determine heater wattage based on temp difference. Thought this might be applicable since your tank is in a basement.
Heater Calcualtor

kilroy217 · 02/06/2009, 11:43 AM

Thanks all, I guess I'm headed to my LFS after work today!

02/06/2009, 10:38 AM	#4
_E_ Professional Lurker Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Du Quoin, Illinois Posts: 1,169	I agree, it sounds like you need a new heater. Eric __________________ Eric "If you think things can't get worse it's probably only because you lack sufficient imagination." Current Tank Info: 140 DSA with basement sump room

02/06/2009, 10:44 AM	#5
_E_ Professional Lurker Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Du Quoin, Illinois Posts: 1,169	Found this calcualtor to determine heater wattage based on temp difference. Thought this might be applicable since your tank is in a basement. Heater Calcualtor __________________ Eric "If you think things can't get worse it's probably only because you lack sufficient imagination." Current Tank Info: 140 DSA with basement sump room

02/06/2009, 07:14 AM	#1
kilroy217 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 834	QT Temperature Hi all, I am trying to set up my quarantine tank out of an old 20 gal freshwater setup that I had laying around. I am using all of the old equipment, including the biowheel power filter that I used when it was a freshwater tank, as well as the old heater that I had in the tank. Only one problem is that the heater is cranked all the way up, and the tank has maxed out at 72 deg F for at least 3 days now. #1 - is that high enough? I know it's on the lower side of acceptable, but is that sufficient for a QT? #2 - If not, is there anything I can do other than buy a new heater? The tank is in my basement, so I think that has something to do with these temperature issues. Thanks in advance for your advice.

02/06/2009, 07:20 AM	#2
kzickovich Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Zion Il Posts: 959	QT is for observation and to avoid stress from new tank mates so by putting a new fish into a cold tank your causing stress to the fish. As for trying a fix just junk it and buy a new one for a 20 gal tank I'm sure you can find one pretty cheap JMO. __________________ Ken Current Tank Info: 90 Gal mixed reef 55 Gallon basement pump up Sump 25 Gal fuge 2 Mp40 DIY led light fixture Bubble King Mini 200 Gen2 skimmer BRS Duel reactor

02/06/2009, 10:03 AM	#3
True Blue Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Santa Ana, Ca Posts: 477	You Definitely don't want to put any fish in a tank at that temp. Buying a new heater may be your only choice. Good Luck

02/06/2009, 11:43 AM	#6
kilroy217 Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 834	Thanks all, I guess I'm headed to my LFS after work today!