QT questions

[jlylec]

I just set up my first quarantine tank and I have a couple questions I hope you guys can help me with.

Set-up:
40gal breeder tank
2 sponge filters
2 Koralias for flow
150W heater
A couple large pieces of PVC

1. I filled the tank with 40gal of water from my 150gal...will it cycle still or could I add fish to it tomorrow?

2. I added a piece of dry live rock that I took out of my main tank because I spotted some mojano on it a week or so ago. Did I need to bleach this rock first? Is it going to cause any problems due to dead organics, etc.?

3. The rock has been in the tank for about a day. Should I take it out now if it's bad or is the damage done at this point?

4. How often and how much should I change the water?

5. When doing a WC I plan on draining into a drain and then refilling with water from my display tank...then putting FSW into the display. Is this a good plan or should I replace the water in the QT with FSW? I know not to put any water from the QT into the DT.

6. Does light really matter here? I have a strip light. I think I read somewhere less light is better than more during QT. True?

Thanks so much for any/all help!

[sporto0]

1. New RO/DI water is better
2. There shouldn't be any die off from the rock from your display, however not needed in a QT.
3. Take it out, leave it, it's up to you
4. This will depend on how many fish you have in the tank, monitor ammonia levels & change water accordingly
5. Just use new RO/DI water (mixed with salt of course)
6. No light does not matter, what you have is fine

[jlylec]

Originally Posted by sporto0

1. New water is better
2.There shouldn't be any die off from the rock from your display, however not needed in a QT.
3.Take it out, leave it, it's up to you
4.This will depend on how many fish you have in the tank, monitor ammonia levels & change water accordingly
5.Just use new RO/DI water (mixed with salt of course)
6.No light does not matter, what you have is fine

thanks for the quick response! i was thinking if i used tank water the cycle would be shorter because of the bacteria in it. should i drain it and add new clean new water and just wait out a normal month cycle or something? i've also read about putting the sponge filters in my sump to build up bacteria. any idea how long that may take?

if you can't tell i'm itching to get new fish!

[sporto0]

I wouldn't drain it now, you don't need a QT tank to cycle, adding a sponge filter will help a little, since A QT is a temporary home, the cycle is not necessary because once you remove the fish, the bio-load is removed & the colonized bacteria die off. Water changes, usually 2 small ones a week take care of the ammonia during the quarantine period.

[jlylec]

Thanks man you rock! I really appreciate it!


-Lyle

[sporto0]

Originally Posted by jlylec

Thanks man you rock! I really appreciate it!


-Lyle

You are very welcome Lyle.