Opinion? Live rock in QT or none?

Viking Dr · 09/10/2011, 03:47 PM

I am wondering do I need live rock in my QT tank or just a hang on filter. For the 2-3 weeks the stuff are in there, it seems to be a waste..as when I am done with the QT..it will be drained and that rock will NOT be returning to my DT.

And opinions?

spieszak · 09/10/2011, 03:53 PM

pvc pipe of fake decorations for hiding places and a HOB will do the job, just make sure the media doesn't go to the DT either. It can come from the DT but not go back...

Viking Dr · 09/10/2011, 04:14 PM

I have PVC pipe in there right now....Fish Store said it should have Live rock..I have a cheap Aquaclear hang on filter with carbon and ammonia remover...This should be good..Right

sporto0 · 09/10/2011, 04:21 PM

You don't want live rock in a QT in case you need to medicate, the rock will absorb the medication & or die off because of it.

Sk8r · 09/10/2011, 04:23 PM

x2. Bare glass is fine. Dim lighting. This is a time for the fish to relax as it would in a nice safe cave in the rock. I don't cycle a qt setup---I rely solely on keeping the filter scrupulously clean. I use ordinary pillowstuffing as a floss. When it stains, out it goes. An ammonia badge is a great addendum.

spieszak · 09/10/2011, 04:27 PM

Fish store wants to sell LR... I don't ever remember seeing anyone suggest LR for a QT.
Watch the params on the QT (regardless of your filtration) since they are more often than not a "part time" setup. Have some amquel or prime on hand just in case, plenty of water for a change as necessary, and yes, that should be fine.

Toddrtrex · 09/10/2011, 04:34 PM

Going to be a bit different here. Depending in the fish (( in my case difficult to getting prepared foods dwarf angel comes to mind )), having some live rock in there will give the fish something to graze upon. Obviously if you have to treat the tank the rock can't/shouldn't go back into the DT, but IME, it is a good thing. Plus, it will help with filtration and (( might )) make the fish feel more at ease then a sterile QT.

Lynnmw1208 · 09/10/2011, 04:34 PM

nope you don't need LR for QT. PVC pipes and a fake aquarium decoration do just fine! I also throw my pruned cheato in there as well.

spieszak · 09/10/2011, 04:36 PM

Question to you Todd... if you do this and need to medicate, do you remove the LR to prevent the die off that will happen? (ie, spike ammonia)

aleonn · 09/10/2011, 04:40 PM

Ah, pruned chaeto is a good idea (as long as it has some lighting). Good for some nitrate removal and cover for fish. Why didn't I think of that!

Toddrtrex · 09/10/2011, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spieszak

Question to you Todd... if you do this and need to medicate, do you remove the LR to prevent the die off that will happen? (ie, spike ammonia)

Good question. It would depend on what I medicated with, prazi pro, I would leave the rock in. A copper based med, I would most likely pull the rock, depending on how much rock was in there and if I was ready to do the water changes.

This is back when I had a tiny potter's angel in a 5 gallon, can see there wasn't a lot of live rock in there, but something for it to graze upon.

Sk8r · 09/10/2011, 04:42 PM

Todd's right re angels, definitely. They're a species that should not be your first fish: a little on the delicate side and ich-prone to boot.

spieszak · 09/10/2011, 04:47 PM

So, understanding that rock is never going back in the tank, do you re-use it in the QT?
I'm a new QT convert and having a hard time deciding if I need to treat proactively or not.. hence the semi current thread (http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...8#post19262128) Everyone seems to make the QT thing sound "easy" but every time I think I have a handle on it, someone throws something new into the mix!

Toddrtrex · 09/10/2011, 04:50 PM

I, personally, don't treat unless I see something to treat -- and I can see both sides of the "argument", it is just the choice I made.

So, in the case above, I put the rock back into the DT, since I never treated. It was a rock from my sump, so it wouldn't have been a big deal if I couldn't have moved it back to the main tank.

spieszak · 09/10/2011, 04:54 PM

back in the DT? that seems awful scary to me since I don't want anything from my QT/HT to ever go into my DT (other than the fish of course) How long are you QT-ing to determine that there was nothing present?

Viking Dr · 09/11/2011, 07:25 AM

Wow, back to the DT...isn't that why you QT in the first place. Why don't you add the water back to your DT tank as well..LOL...seriuosly DON'T add that rock back into your DT...sump or otherwise.

Toddrtrex · 09/11/2011, 09:02 AM

Do you understand that if you don't medicate, and the fish doesn't get sick the live rock is fine -- it is pretty much the same as adding the fish to the DT. It is pretty simple if you think about it.

spieszak · 09/11/2011, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Toddrtrex

Do you understand that if you don't medicate, and the fish doesn't get sick the live rock is fine -- it is pretty much the same as adding the fish to the DT. It is pretty simple if you think about it.

Yep, I understand that...I'm paranoid now, because I lost a fish that I really likeed...So given I used a rock, it would then be a QT rock.

Toddrtrex · 09/11/2011, 09:17 AM

If there are any issues within the QT with the fish and/or you have to treat with anything besides prazi pro, I would not re-use the rock. But, if everything goes well, and the fish is never treated in the QT, I personally would re-use the rock; but in the end the choice is up to you.

dzfish17 · 09/11/2011, 09:24 AM

I keep rock in my QT and I leave it running all the time. I agree that if it helps the fish and adds to the biological filtration, the tank is more stable. I havent had to treat, but either way that rock will stay in the QT tank. The rock was dry and dedicated to the tank.

I also put a small 3/8 layer of sand in the tank too. I use a skimmer which I do shut off periodically. Ive quarantined close to 25 fish now and havent lost anything yet. I keep the tank going because I never know when I might buy a fish.

spieszak · 09/11/2011, 09:37 AM

This thread may have gotten a little off topic, but the info all seems relevant, so I have one more question...
What do you guys use as your "standard" amount of time in QT?

dzfish17 · 09/11/2011, 09:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spieszak

This thread may have gotten a little off topic, but the info all seems relevant, so I have one more question...
What do you guys use as your "standard" amount of time in QT?

Did I add something that was off topic? Just wondering. Ive been between 3/4 weeks... depends on the fish.

Viking Dr · 09/11/2011, 09:59 AM

The minimum I use Qt for fish is two weeks, and some peeps think that this is a bare minimum.

Toddrtrex · 09/11/2011, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spieszak

This thread may have gotten a little off topic, but the info all seems relevant, so I have one more question...
What do you guys use as your "standard" amount of time in QT?

Given the life cycle of ick, I would say 4-6 weeks.

spieszak · 09/11/2011, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dzfish17

Did I add something that was off topic? Just wondering. Ive been between 3/4 weeks... depends on the fish.

Mis phrased.

This question may take this thread a bit off topic, but .....

09/10/2011, 03:47 PM	#1
Viking Dr Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: London Posts: 194	Opinion? Live rock in QT or none? I am wondering do I need live rock in my QT tank or just a hang on filter. For the 2-3 weeks the stuff are in there, it seems to be a waste..as when I am done with the QT..it will be drained and that rock will NOT be returning to my DT. And opinions?

09/10/2011, 03:53 PM	#2
spieszak Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 1,877	pvc pipe of fake decorations for hiding places and a HOB will do the job, just make sure the media doesn't go to the DT either. It can come from the DT but not go back... __________________ I'm new to this saltwater thing, all comments should be taken with a BUCKET of salt! :-) -Stacey

09/10/2011, 04:23 PM	#5
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	x2. Bare glass is fine. Dim lighting. This is a time for the fish to relax as it would in a nice safe cave in the rock. I don't cycle a qt setup---I rely solely on keeping the filter scrupulously clean. I use ordinary pillowstuffing as a floss. When it stains, out it goes. An ammonia badge is a great addendum. __________________ 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%.

09/10/2011, 04:27 PM	#6
spieszak Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 1,877	Fish store wants to sell LR... I don't ever remember seeing anyone suggest LR for a QT. Watch the params on the QT (regardless of your filtration) since they are more often than not a "part time" setup. Have some amquel or prime on hand just in case, plenty of water for a change as necessary, and yes, that should be fine. __________________ I'm new to this saltwater thing, all comments should be taken with a BUCKET of salt! :-) -Stacey

09/10/2011, 04:34 PM	#7
Toddrtrex Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Carol Stream, IL Posts: 23,162	Going to be a bit different here. Depending in the fish (( in my case difficult to getting prepared foods dwarf angel comes to mind )), having some live rock in there will give the fish something to graze upon. Obviously if you have to treat the tank the rock can't/shouldn't go back into the DT, but IME, it is a good thing. Plus, it will help with filtration and (( might )) make the fish feel more at ease then a sterile QT. __________________ Click my name and then "visit toddrtrex's homepage" for tank pictures Current Tank Info: 210g reef and 65g reef

09/10/2011, 04:14 PM	#3
Viking Dr Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: London Posts: 194	I have PVC pipe in there right now....Fish Store said it should have Live rock..I have a cheap Aquaclear hang on filter with carbon and ammonia remover...This should be good..Right

09/10/2011, 04:21 PM	#4
sporto0 Moved On Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Pittsburgh, Pa. Posts: 2,924	You don't want live rock in a QT in case you need to medicate, the rock will absorb the medication & or die off because of it.

09/10/2011, 04:34 PM	#8
Lynnmw1208 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Brunswick, Ohio Posts: 3,306	nope you don't need LR for QT. PVC pipes and a fake aquarium decoration do just fine! I also throw my pruned cheato in there as well. __________________ equipment: Eshopps psk-200 skimmer, Mag 12 pump, 30gal sump, 2x 300w Finnex heaters, glass-holes 1500gph overflow kit with 3/4" return kits, 72" 8x36w t-5 AquaticLife light, 66lbs of LR, 150lbs of tropic eden reeflakes, 2 Koralia Evo 1400, JBJ ATO, BRS dual GFO/carbon reactors, Hydor smartwave Current Tank Info: 125gallon

09/10/2011, 04:36 PM	#9
spieszak Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 1,877	Question to you Todd... if you do this and need to medicate, do you remove the LR to prevent the die off that will happen? (ie, spike ammonia) __________________ I'm new to this saltwater thing, all comments should be taken with a BUCKET of salt! :-) -Stacey

09/10/2011, 04:40 PM	#10
aleonn Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Posts: 4,041	Ah, pruned chaeto is a good idea (as long as it has some lighting). Good for some nitrate removal and cover for fish. Why didn't I think of that!

09/10/2011, 04:42 PM	#12
Sk8r RC Mod Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 34,628 Blog Entries: 55	Todd's right re angels, definitely. They're a species that should not be your first fish: a little on the delicate side and ich-prone to boot. __________________ 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%.

09/10/2011, 04:47 PM	#13
spieszak Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 1,877	So, understanding that rock is never going back in the tank, do you re-use it in the QT? I'm a new QT convert and having a hard time deciding if I need to treat proactively or not.. hence the semi current thread (http://reefcentral.com/forums/showth...8#post19262128) Everyone seems to make the QT thing sound "easy" but every time I think I have a handle on it, someone throws something new into the mix! __________________ I'm new to this saltwater thing, all comments should be taken with a BUCKET of salt! :-) -Stacey

09/10/2011, 04:50 PM	#14
Toddrtrex Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Carol Stream, IL Posts: 23,162	I, personally, don't treat unless I see something to treat -- and I can see both sides of the "argument", it is just the choice I made. So, in the case above, I put the rock back into the DT, since I never treated. It was a rock from my sump, so it wouldn't have been a big deal if I couldn't have moved it back to the main tank. __________________ Click my name and then "visit toddrtrex's homepage" for tank pictures Current Tank Info: 210g reef and 65g reef

09/10/2011, 04:54 PM	#15
spieszak Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 1,877	back in the DT? that seems awful scary to me since I don't want anything from my QT/HT to ever go into my DT (other than the fish of course) How long are you QT-ing to determine that there was nothing present? __________________ I'm new to this saltwater thing, all comments should be taken with a BUCKET of salt! :-) -Stacey

09/11/2011, 07:25 AM	#16
Viking Dr Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: London Posts: 194	Wow, back to the DT...isn't that why you QT in the first place. Why don't you add the water back to your DT tank as well..LOL...seriuosly DON'T add that rock back into your DT...sump or otherwise.

09/11/2011, 09:02 AM	#17
Toddrtrex Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Carol Stream, IL Posts: 23,162	Do you understand that if you don't medicate, and the fish doesn't get sick the live rock is fine -- it is pretty much the same as adding the fish to the DT. It is pretty simple if you think about it. __________________ Click my name and then "visit toddrtrex's homepage" for tank pictures Current Tank Info: 210g reef and 65g reef

09/11/2011, 09:17 AM	#19
Toddrtrex Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Carol Stream, IL Posts: 23,162	If there are any issues within the QT with the fish and/or you have to treat with anything besides prazi pro, I would not re-use the rock. But, if everything goes well, and the fish is never treated in the QT, I personally would re-use the rock; but in the end the choice is up to you. __________________ Click my name and then "visit toddrtrex's homepage" for tank pictures Current Tank Info: 210g reef and 65g reef

09/11/2011, 09:24 AM	#20
dzfish17 Registered Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Fresno,Ca. Posts: 2,545	I keep rock in my QT and I leave it running all the time. I agree that if it helps the fish and adds to the biological filtration, the tank is more stable. I havent had to treat, but either way that rock will stay in the QT tank. The rock was dry and dedicated to the tank. I also put a small 3/8 layer of sand in the tank too. I use a skimmer which I do shut off periodically. Ive quarantined close to 25 fish now and havent lost anything yet. I keep the tank going because I never know when I might buy a fish. __________________ 600g (96x36x46) FOWLR

09/11/2011, 09:37 AM	#21
spieszak Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Posts: 1,877	This thread may have gotten a little off topic, but the info all seems relevant, so I have one more question... What do you guys use as your "standard" amount of time in QT? __________________ I'm new to this saltwater thing, all comments should be taken with a BUCKET of salt! :-) -Stacey

09/11/2011, 09:59 AM	#23
Viking Dr Registered Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: London Posts: 194	The minimum I use Qt for fish is two weeks, and some peeps think that this is a bare minimum.

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