QT Tank

AmberL · 03/06/2011, 11:03 PM

My LFS recommended a 12 or 24 nano cube for my QT tank. I'm looking for a QT tank that I don't have to have set up all the time. Is there a cheaper way to do this, besides the nano cubes? My LFS has the 12 gallon nano cube and heater for sale for $99. I don't want to spend more than I have to, but I want something EASY.

Oh, and I did read the sticky about QT tanks. I just want opinions about the ease of QT tanks and if the nano cubes are a decent way to go. If something out there is cheaper, but just as easy, please let me know.

Thanks!

duncantse · 03/06/2011, 11:25 PM

Your LFS is trying to make a profit off of you. This is what you need:

10-20 gallon tank $10
50watt heater $20
Power filter $15
PVC elbows $2
Thermometer $2

Just an estimate cost

jeff@zina.com · 03/07/2011, 06:58 AM

Add a light if you're doing corals, fish would be okay without one.

Jeff

bamf25 · 03/07/2011, 12:41 PM

They sell 10g started kits at most "big" petstores for around $60 that include a heater, tank, cover, light, and filter. The same kit at 20g runs about $80. That is what I am planning on doing.

Chris27 · 03/07/2011, 12:49 PM

Go into the closet, attic or basement, and pull out the rubbermaid that the old lady keeps ugly sweaters in, dump it out, and fill it up with SW. Toss in a heater and an HOB filter, clip a shoplight on, and you're good to go. They don't have to be expensive or pretty, just hold water.

A biocube, nano cube, or any cube is actually horrible for QT, in this case you want length...not width....for larger FISH to be able to swim around well. Shallow longer tanks like breeders or a 20L are great for QT since they allow fish to get up to speed, but they are shallow enough to make water changes easy.

bamf25 · 03/07/2011, 01:00 PM

Just saw a rubbermaid clear storage container at Lower size 29 gallons. That would make a good QT, and also a nice container for storing and mixing water. Hmmmm.

AmberL · 03/07/2011, 07:10 PM

Thanks for the advice!

Angel*Fish · 03/07/2011, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bamf25

They sell 10g started kits at most "big" petstores for around $60 that include a heater, tank, cover, light, and filter. The same kit at 20g runs about $80. That is what I am planning on doing.

I saw a 10g set up at walmart last week for $30. Can't remember if it had a heater.

MrTuskfish · 03/07/2011, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bamf25

Just saw a rubbermaid clear storage container at Lower size 29 gallons. That would make a good QT, and also a nice container for storing and mixing water. Hmmmm.

They are good for storing water; but I want to closely see every square inch of my new fish every day. You can't do that with a plastic container. You can set up a decent QT for less than the price of one moderately priced fish. Try Craigs list.

duncantse · 03/07/2011, 08:01 PM

I tried a rubbermaid bucket before but I couldn't see the fish. You can only see the top but not the sides so you won't be able to tell if they have any illnes or not.

dwd5813 · 03/07/2011, 09:01 PM

the size of the container needed is dictated by the life it is intended to quarantine. if you'd like to QT a large tang, you'd be better served by a larger tank than if you wanted to observe say, a blenny or some corals. anything from a 10 to a 30 should do just fine for most purposes i would think. all you need is the equipment listed above; heater, tank, circulation, hob filter, thermometer, hiding spot (appropriately sized pvc elbows are good for this) and appropriate lighting.

all the above has been covered well thus far in this thread. one thing i'd like to add is that as per your original post you don't want to have this system constantly in operation, which is just fine. if you are running a sump in your main system you can float the sponge media from the hob you run your QT with in the sump when QT is not in use. then when it comes time to QT something you have a precycled biofilter ready and waiting for you. simply load teh sponge in the clean hob filter and siphon off enough water to fill the QT from the DT (free inspiration for a WC on the DT as well) and you have an instant hospital. the alternative (if you don't run a sump) is to run the filter on the display tank till it's time to QT something. same thought, higher electricity cost.

MrTuskfish · 03/08/2011, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwd5813

the size of the container needed is dictated by the life it is intended to quarantine. if you'd like to QT a large tang, you'd be better served by a larger tank than if you wanted to observe say, a blenny or some corals. anything from a 10 to a 30 should do just fine for most purposes i would think. all you need is the equipment listed above; heater, tank, circulation, hob filter, thermometer, hiding spot (appropriately sized pvc elbows are good for this) and appropriate lighting.

all the above has been covered well thus far in this thread. one thing i'd like to add is that as per your original post you don't want to have this system constantly in operation, which is just fine. if you are running a sump in your main system you can float the sponge media from the hob you run your QT with in the sump when QT is not in use. then when it comes time to QT something you have a precycled biofilter ready and waiting for you. simply load teh sponge in the clean hob filter and siphon off enough water to fill the QT from the DT (free inspiration for a WC on the DT as well) and you have an instant hospital. the alternative (if you don't run a sump) is to run the filter on the display tank till it's time to QT something. same thought, higher electricity cost.

Yeah, that's about it. One thing, once a sponge has been used in QT, toss it. Never return it to the DT system. Sponges are cheap.

bamf25 · 03/08/2011, 01:56 PM

The petsmart by me had a special on a "starter" 20g tank today $55 for tank, heater, light, and filter. They alo had a 20g long for $30. Both would do well as an inexpensive Qt.

Jukas · 03/08/2011, 03:50 PM

I've used a 10g as a QT tank before with a cheap HOB filter and a heater. The only problem I had was the salt spray/creep from running an open top got all over my bar and took weeks to fully find & clean up.

Indymann99 · 03/08/2011, 07:17 PM

I took advantage of the $1 per gal sale at LFS. Added a power head with sponge filter, heater, thermo, and some PVC. I had the light from my sump fuge that didnt fit.

lacosta28 · 03/08/2011, 07:29 PM

I use a cardboard box and double the scotch tape on the seams. Best part is you can recycle it when you are done.

Chris27 · 03/08/2011, 10:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lacosta28

I use a cardboard box and double the scotch tape on the seams. Best part is you can recycle it when you are done.

I like to double up on the Scotch while looking at my new fish in the GLASS QT....Chivas usually, but every once in a while the Glenlivet....

PRDubois · 03/09/2011, 02:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by duncantse

your lfs is trying to make a profit off of you. This is what you need:

10-20 gallon tank $10
50watt heater $20
power filter $15
pvc elbows $2
thermometer $2

just an estimate cost

+2

AmberL · 03/09/2011, 10:09 AM

Thanks for all the input! I'll check Craigslist and Walmart.

apex82 · 03/09/2011, 11:32 AM

When people say to leave a sponge in sump for several weeks so you have established bacteria on it, doesn't this add additional nitrates to display tank? I thought any type of sponge material needed to be washed every few days so it didnt add nitrates to the system?

patsfan1130 · 03/09/2011, 02:08 PM

A sponge passively sitting in a sump won't accumulate trates likes a sponge being used as a means of cleaning water in a filter or the like

03/06/2011, 11:03 PM	#1
AmberL Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Virginia Posts: 205	QT Tank My LFS recommended a 12 or 24 nano cube for my QT tank. I'm looking for a QT tank that I don't have to have set up all the time. Is there a cheaper way to do this, besides the nano cubes? My LFS has the 12 gallon nano cube and heater for sale for $99. I don't want to spend more than I have to, but I want something EASY. Oh, and I did read the sticky about QT tanks. I just want opinions about the ease of QT tanks and if the nano cubes are a decent way to go. If something out there is cheaper, but just as easy, please let me know. Thanks! __________________ ~Amber Current Tank Info: 90 gallon reef tank; 2 clowns; Midas blenny; diamond goby; CUC; sand sifting star fish; torch; green star polyps; green plate; brain coral; finger leather; cleaner shrimp; porcelain crab; daisy coral

03/07/2011, 07:10 PM	#7
AmberL Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Virginia Posts: 205	Thanks for the advice! __________________ ~Amber Current Tank Info: 90 gallon reef tank; 2 clowns; Midas blenny; diamond goby; CUC; sand sifting star fish; torch; green star polyps; green plate; brain coral; finger leather; cleaner shrimp; porcelain crab; daisy coral

03/07/2011, 09:01 PM	#11
dwd5813 Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: 813 Posts: 2,827	the size of the container needed is dictated by the life it is intended to quarantine. if you'd like to QT a large tang, you'd be better served by a larger tank than if you wanted to observe say, a blenny or some corals. anything from a 10 to a 30 should do just fine for most purposes i would think. all you need is the equipment listed above; heater, tank, circulation, hob filter, thermometer, hiding spot (appropriately sized pvc elbows are good for this) and appropriate lighting. all the above has been covered well thus far in this thread. one thing i'd like to add is that as per your original post you don't want to have this system constantly in operation, which is just fine. if you are running a sump in your main system you can float the sponge media from the hob you run your QT with in the sump when QT is not in use. then when it comes time to QT something you have a precycled biofilter ready and waiting for you. simply load teh sponge in the clean hob filter and siphon off enough water to fill the QT from the DT (free inspiration for a WC on the DT as well) and you have an instant hospital. the alternative (if you don't run a sump) is to run the filter on the display tank till it's time to QT something. same thought, higher electricity cost. __________________ order some golf shoes, otherwise we'll never get out of this place alive. what can i say? in dog beers, i have only had one. - dublo8 Current Tank Info: 40B aiptasia farm

03/08/2011, 07:17 PM	#15
Indymann99 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 2,447	I took advantage of the $1 per gal sale at LFS. Added a power head with sponge filter, heater, thermo, and some PVC. I had the light from my sump fuge that didnt fit. __________________ 120g DT 100lbs LR / 200 lbs LS, 45g fuge, VectraM1 Return, Herbie drain, 4x RW-8, 2x AI Hydra 26 w AWM, ASM G2, Apex controller, Apex BoB w floats ATO

03/09/2011, 10:09 AM	#19
AmberL Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Virginia Posts: 205	Thanks for all the input! I'll check Craigslist and Walmart. __________________ ~Amber Current Tank Info: 90 gallon reef tank; 2 clowns; Midas blenny; diamond goby; CUC; sand sifting star fish; torch; green star polyps; green plate; brain coral; finger leather; cleaner shrimp; porcelain crab; daisy coral

03/06/2011, 11:25 PM	#2
duncantse Fish Advisor Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 1,604	Your LFS is trying to make a profit off of you. This is what you need: 10-20 gallon tank $10 50watt heater $20 Power filter $15 PVC elbows $2 Thermometer $2 Just an estimate cost

03/07/2011, 06:58 AM	#3
jeff@zina.com Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Naples, FL Posts: 3,345	Add a light if you're doing corals, fish would be okay without one. Jeff

03/07/2011, 12:41 PM	#4
bamf25 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Central NJ Posts: 1,419	They sell 10g started kits at most "big" petstores for around $60 that include a heater, tank, cover, light, and filter. The same kit at 20g runs about $80. That is what I am planning on doing.

03/07/2011, 12:49 PM	#5
Chris27 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Virginia Beach, VA Posts: 4,452	Go into the closet, attic or basement, and pull out the rubbermaid that the old lady keeps ugly sweaters in, dump it out, and fill it up with SW. Toss in a heater and an HOB filter, clip a shoplight on, and you're good to go. They don't have to be expensive or pretty, just hold water. A biocube, nano cube, or any cube is actually horrible for QT, in this case you want length...not width....for larger FISH to be able to swim around well. Shallow longer tanks like breeders or a 20L are great for QT since they allow fish to get up to speed, but they are shallow enough to make water changes easy.

03/07/2011, 01:00 PM	#6
bamf25 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Central NJ Posts: 1,419	Just saw a rubbermaid clear storage container at Lower size 29 gallons. That would make a good QT, and also a nice container for storing and mixing water. Hmmmm.

03/07/2011, 08:01 PM	#10
duncantse Fish Advisor Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Vancouver, BC Posts: 1,604	I tried a rubbermaid bucket before but I couldn't see the fish. You can only see the top but not the sides so you won't be able to tell if they have any illnes or not.

03/08/2011, 01:56 PM	#13
bamf25 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Central NJ Posts: 1,419	The petsmart by me had a special on a "starter" 20g tank today $55 for tank, heater, light, and filter. They alo had a 20g long for $30. Both would do well as an inexpensive Qt.

03/08/2011, 03:50 PM	#14
Jukas Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 68	I've used a 10g as a QT tank before with a cheap HOB filter and a heater. The only problem I had was the salt spray/creep from running an open top got all over my bar and took weeks to fully find & clean up.

03/08/2011, 07:29 PM	#16
lacosta28 Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Albuquerque Posts: 632	I use a cardboard box and double the scotch tape on the seams. Best part is you can recycle it when you are done.

03/09/2011, 11:32 AM	#20
apex82 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Posts: 20	sponge When people say to leave a sponge in sump for several weeks so you have established bacteria on it, doesn't this add additional nitrates to display tank? I thought any type of sponge material needed to be washed every few days so it didnt add nitrates to the system?

03/09/2011, 02:08 PM	#21
patsfan1130 Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Woburn, Ma Posts: 2,010	A sponge passively sitting in a sump won't accumulate trates likes a sponge being used as a means of cleaning water in a filter or the like __________________ My cat's breath smells like cat food Member of the Boston Reefers Society Current Tank Info: 75g lps, 90g sps, 120g mixed, 180 nem tank, 300g reef, 600g up & coming reef

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