Quarintine tank

Grandreef 2 · 01/30/2010, 11:42 AM

I was woundering if I could put some sand in my quarintine tank so it looks more like a home then a storage facility. Also I would like to add some live rock to the tank just to make sure the cycleing is going according to plan?

gws76 · 01/30/2010, 11:45 AM

What are you quarantining, coral or fish?

Sisterlimonpot · 01/30/2010, 11:46 AM

You can, however if you treat the fish with anything you'll have to discard that rock and sand. that's why QT are simple so that you don't have to waste unnecessary $ every time you break it down and set it up.

Grandreef 2 · 01/30/2010, 11:46 AM

I would be quarintining fish or corals that would be rather exspencive ( NPC, or hard corals)

Lightsluvr · 01/30/2010, 11:48 AM

I wouldn't... keep it simple and easy to clean or disinfect.

LL

Grandreef 2 · 01/30/2010, 12:07 PM

But without the sand and the liverock wouldnt it just go one without the cycleing process?

Sisterlimonpot · 01/30/2010, 12:14 PM

Usually there would be a hang on back filter that will allow the cycle to take place, and what ever else you have in the tank for hiding places. bacteria will latch on to just about any surface.

Playa-1 · 01/30/2010, 06:32 PM

I use a sponge filter that I drop in the my sump for a couple of weeks to let the bacteria populate the sponge. Then when i set up the QT I pull the sponge filter and drop it into the QT with a heater. Instant QT

mfinn · 01/30/2010, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Playa-1

I use a sponge filter that I drop in the my sump for a couple of weeks to let the bacteria populate the sponge. Then when i set up the QT I pull the sponge filter and drop it into the QT with a heater. Instant QT

Exactly what I do.

I also add a couple dark colored jars for hiding places. Some use large pvc pipe.

mann1139 · 01/31/2010, 06:28 AM

I do the same with a bag of LR rubble. No fish in QT, its in the fuge.

For reference, I keep a dusting of sand in my QT, but I'm only quarantining fish, and the only 'treatment' I use is hyposalinity.

Grandreef 2 · 01/31/2010, 07:20 AM

I have a couple of fake coral ornements, could they be living in that?

mann1139 · 01/31/2010, 09:25 AM

Assuming its SW safe, that's fine.

But if you treat with any kind of mediation/chemical, you'll probably have to throw them out.

Steveb · 01/31/2010, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Playa-1

I use a sponge filter that I drop in the my sump for a couple of weeks to let the bacteria populate the sponge. Then when i set up the QT I pull the sponge filter and drop it into the QT with a heater. Instant QT

That's what I was going to do...

Do you just toss the filter after the qt period or is there a way to sterilize it?

jmski333 · 01/31/2010, 10:24 AM

if your worried about what your quarantine looks like just put it somewhere where no one will see it. My tank has two HOB filters, a 40w heater and two 3' PVC fittings in it for a 20gal. you'd be surprised how my the fish love hangin out in PVC.

Indymann99 · 01/31/2010, 10:28 AM

I clean my QT sponge filter with bleach / water and let it dry for a couple of weeks. I have used the same sponge for 4-5 fish (each in QT for 4-5 weeks) and usually about 1-2 months between fish. yeah I take it SLOW.

If I medicated, I would prob just throw it out

no sand just some pvc

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n.../QTinMixRm.jpg

http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...ankcloseup.jpg

mfinn · 01/31/2010, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baringcs

Do you just toss the filter after the qt period or is there a way to sterilize it?

I use to sterilize it, but after someone else pointed out that the sponges are so cheap and easy to replace, I will start doing that in the future.
I did look in the box my sponge filter came in and there was another complete set.

Sisterlimonpot · 01/31/2010, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grandreef 2

I have a couple of fake coral ornements, could they be living in that?

Yes, but because the ornament coral are porous it is going to soak and retain any treatment you add.

Quote:

Originally Posted by baringcs

That's what I was going to do...

Do you just toss the filter after the qt period or is there a way to sterilize it?

I wouldn't reuse them filters are so cheap, just toss them and start another for next time.

Playa-1 · 01/31/2010, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baringcs

That's what I was going to do...

Do you just toss the filter after the qt period or is there a way to sterilize it?

On the very rare occasion that I would use Copper or some harsh medication such as that, then I would toss the filter out after use. I usually just use a hyposalinity and some prazipro so I just wash the filters with a little bleach and reuse them.

Sk8r · 01/31/2010, 11:04 AM

I advise against it: ich parasites spend part of their life cycle in sand. One infected fish could infest all other fish you quarantine. No sand, no rock. Simple carbon filtration that is thoroughly cleaned and filter medium tossed after use. The tank can be emptied and stored between occupants: no cycling: it's just an ordinary filtered tank of water only, using carbon UNLESS you're medicating. It's not necessarily a permanent feature of your rig. You can add a PVC elbow to give your fish a hiding place, and clean it thoroughly and sun dry after use, too.

01/30/2010, 11:42 AM	#1
Grandreef 2 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: burlington, vermont Posts: 376	Quarintine tank I was woundering if I could put some sand in my quarintine tank so it looks more like a home then a storage facility. Also I would like to add some live rock to the tank just to make sure the cycleing is going according to plan? __________________ Hoping to explore the hadal and abyssal zones one day. Current Tank Info: 55 gallon invert aquarium, 4 65w T% bulbs

01/30/2010, 11:45 AM	#2
gws76 Premium Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: El Reno, OK Posts: 1,691 Blog Entries: 2	What are you quarantining, coral or fish? __________________ "Let there be Rock!" ~ Bon Scott 2010-2011 COMAS POTM Chairman Current Tank Info: 150 gal. Starphire Mixed Reef

01/30/2010, 11:46 AM	#3
Sisterlimonpot R.C. Fraternity President Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Litchfeild Park AZ Posts: 11,490 Blog Entries: 2	You can, however if you treat the fish with anything you'll have to discard that rock and sand. that's why QT are simple so that you don't have to waste unnecessary $ every time you break it down and set it up. __________________ Jimmy MASVC President Dishes are done man! Current Tank Info: 300 in progress

01/30/2010, 11:46 AM	#4
Grandreef 2 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: burlington, vermont Posts: 376	I would be quarintining fish or corals that would be rather exspencive ( NPC, or hard corals) __________________ Hoping to explore the hadal and abyssal zones one day. Current Tank Info: 55 gallon invert aquarium, 4 65w T% bulbs

01/30/2010, 11:48 AM	#5
Lightsluvr Tangaroa to 500 gallons Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Edmond, OK Posts: 5,855	I wouldn't... keep it simple and easy to clean or disinfect. LL __________________ Click on my username and select "Lightsluvr's Home Page" for a recap of our build thread - AGE Hybrid Tank in a 500G system with dedicated fish room. (Takes a few minutes for photos to load) Leave a note if you stop by... Current Tank Info: 350G AGE Hybrid reef tank. 500G+ total water volume. Three sumps for filtration. Barracuda Gold return and Hammerhead Gold closed loop pumps. DIY T5 light system on rails. MP40W x3 to supplement closed loop. 130G Water management system.

01/30/2010, 12:07 PM	#6
Grandreef 2 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: burlington, vermont Posts: 376	But without the sand and the liverock wouldnt it just go one without the cycleing process? __________________ Hoping to explore the hadal and abyssal zones one day. Current Tank Info: 55 gallon invert aquarium, 4 65w T% bulbs

01/30/2010, 12:14 PM	#7
Sisterlimonpot R.C. Fraternity President Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Litchfeild Park AZ Posts: 11,490 Blog Entries: 2	Usually there would be a hang on back filter that will allow the cycle to take place, and what ever else you have in the tank for hiding places. bacteria will latch on to just about any surface. __________________ Jimmy MASVC President Dishes are done man! Current Tank Info: 300 in progress

01/30/2010, 06:32 PM	#8
Playa-1 Moved On Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Laguna Niguel, CA Posts: 7,497	I use a sponge filter that I drop in the my sump for a couple of weeks to let the bacteria populate the sponge. Then when i set up the QT I pull the sponge filter and drop it into the QT with a heater. Instant QT

01/31/2010, 06:28 AM	#10
mann1139 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Jersey Posts: 178	I do the same with a bag of LR rubble. No fish in QT, its in the fuge. For reference, I keep a dusting of sand in my QT, but I'm only quarantining fish, and the only 'treatment' I use is hyposalinity.

01/31/2010, 07:20 AM	#11
Grandreef 2 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: burlington, vermont Posts: 376	I have a couple of fake coral ornements, could they be living in that? __________________ Hoping to explore the hadal and abyssal zones one day. Current Tank Info: 55 gallon invert aquarium, 4 65w T% bulbs

01/31/2010, 09:25 AM	#12
mann1139 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Jersey Posts: 178	Assuming its SW safe, that's fine. But if you treat with any kind of mediation/chemical, you'll probably have to throw them out.

01/31/2010, 10:24 AM	#14
jmski333 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 494	if your worried about what your quarantine looks like just put it somewhere where no one will see it. My tank has two HOB filters, a 40w heater and two 3' PVC fittings in it for a 20gal. you'd be surprised how my the fish love hangin out in PVC. __________________ -Jordan- Current Tank Info: 90RR mixed reef

01/31/2010, 10:28 AM	#15
Indymann99 Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Indianapolis Posts: 2,447	I clean my QT sponge filter with bleach / water and let it dry for a couple of weeks. I have used the same sponge for 4-5 fish (each in QT for 4-5 weeks) and usually about 1-2 months between fish. yeah I take it SLOW. If I medicated, I would prob just throw it out no sand just some pvc http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n.../QTinMixRm.jpg http://i300.photobucket.com/albums/n...ankcloseup.jpg __________________ 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

01/31/2010, 11:04 AM	#19
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	I advise against it: ich parasites spend part of their life cycle in sand. One infected fish could infest all other fish you quarantine. No sand, no rock. Simple carbon filtration that is thoroughly cleaned and filter medium tossed after use. The tank can be emptied and stored between occupants: no cycling: it's just an ordinary filtered tank of water only, using carbon UNLESS you're medicating. It's not necessarily a permanent feature of your rig. You can add a PVC elbow to give your fish a hiding place, and clean it thoroughly and sun dry after use, too. __________________ Sk8r Salinity 1.024-6; alkalinity 8.3-9.3 on KH scale; calcium 420; magnesium 1300, temp 78-80, nitrate .2. Ammonia 0. No filters: lps tank. Alk and cal won't rise if mg is low. Current Tank Info: 105g AquaVim wedge, yellow tang, sailfin blenny,royal gramma, ocellaris clown pair, yellow watchman, 100 microceriths, 25 tiny hermits, a 4" conch, 1" nassarius, recovering from 2 year hiatus with daily water change of 10%.