QT Questions

robot2222 · 02/09/2010, 08:08 PM

i want to set up a qt tank .1st question is it ok too take some tank water from the display and a little live rock? how much water in a 30 QTto initiate cycle or speed up cycle . or should i not add any rock so i could treat new fish with copper ? because one of the lfs stores around here runs copper in there fish systems . all input is appreciated .

robot2222 · 02/09/2010, 09:19 PM

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stingythingy45 · 02/09/2010, 09:25 PM

I'd use the water from the DT and make up new water.It's always a good thing to change out water in the DT.
Then i'd just add PVC pipe fixtures(for the fish to hide in) and no sand bed.
If yout looking to help start a bio-filter.Put a HOB filter like a Aquaclear on the DT for a while so the media gets packed with bacteria.
This will help with ammonia spikes,but water changes are always necessary.

stingythingy45 · 02/09/2010, 09:30 PM

Also,you can put LR and sand in the QT.
But you'll take the chance of needing to dry the rock if a parasite shows up,You wont be able to use copper with the rock in there.
As for sand,sometimes a shallow sand bed of cheap playsand can work to help get rid of bottom reflection and stress.
I've always treated with hypo for parasites.

Playa-1 · 02/09/2010, 09:38 PM

What I do is take $5 sponge filter and put it in the sump for a couple of weeks prior to needing the Qt. This allows the sponge to become populated with bacteria that will aid in processing the Ammonia in the QT. Then you can move the sponge filter to the QT and it's good to go. It's not the same as having a fully cycled tank but the sponge reduces the amount of water changes necessary to keep the Ammonia in check during the Qt process. Many people use a hang on back style powerfilter with a sponge insert. It's basically the same concept.

02/09/2010, 08:08 PM	#1
robot2222 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: phoenix, arizonia Posts: 1,283	QT Questions i want to set up a qt tank .1st question is it ok too take some tank water from the display and a little live rock? how much water in a 30 QTto initiate cycle or speed up cycle . or should i not add any rock so i could treat new fish with copper ? because one of the lfs stores around here runs copper in there fish systems . all input is appreciated .

02/09/2010, 09:25 PM	#3
stingythingy45 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: MA Posts: 3,296	I'd use the water from the DT and make up new water.It's always a good thing to change out water in the DT. Then i'd just add PVC pipe fixtures(for the fish to hide in) and no sand bed. If yout looking to help start a bio-filter.Put a HOB filter like a Aquaclear on the DT for a while so the media gets packed with bacteria. This will help with ammonia spikes,but water changes are always necessary. __________________ Bob Current Tank Info: 90 gallon,mixed Reef,2-250 watt Optix 3 pendants(Phoenix 14K)2-54 watt T5 Super actnics ,ASM G-2 Gate/recirc mods,70 gal. basement sump,20L ref

02/09/2010, 09:30 PM	#4
stingythingy45 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: MA Posts: 3,296	Also,you can put LR and sand in the QT. But you'll take the chance of needing to dry the rock if a parasite shows up,You wont be able to use copper with the rock in there. As for sand,sometimes a shallow sand bed of cheap playsand can work to help get rid of bottom reflection and stress. I've always treated with hypo for parasites. __________________ Bob Current Tank Info: 90 gallon,mixed Reef,2-250 watt Optix 3 pendants(Phoenix 14K)2-54 watt T5 Super actnics ,ASM G-2 Gate/recirc mods,70 gal. basement sump,20L ref

02/09/2010, 09:19 PM	#2
robot2222 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: phoenix, arizonia Posts: 1,283	..................

02/09/2010, 09:38 PM	#5
Playa-1 Moved On Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Laguna Niguel, CA Posts: 7,497	What I do is take $5 sponge filter and put it in the sump for a couple of weeks prior to needing the Qt. This allows the sponge to become populated with bacteria that will aid in processing the Ammonia in the QT. Then you can move the sponge filter to the QT and it's good to go. It's not the same as having a fully cycled tank but the sponge reduces the amount of water changes necessary to keep the Ammonia in check during the Qt process. Many people use a hang on back style powerfilter with a sponge insert. It's basically the same concept.