Medical tank????

ADMReef · 05/24/2012, 03:48 PM

I am new to the hobby, have not set up my display tank yet, just researching everything first. My question is can I run a medical tank (or whatever it is called) with a canister system and no skimmer or do I have to set this small tank up like I would the display tank? Any advice would be appreciated.

sandwi54 · 05/24/2012, 03:52 PM

Such a tank is called a quarantine tank (QT) or hospital tank. You will want to quarantine every new fish in the QT for 6 weeks and treat with cupramine and prazipro to prevent getting disease into your display tank (DT).

A QT can be very basic. All you need is a hang-on-back (HOB) filter that most freshwater keepers use. You can use a canister if you want to, but HOB filter is easier. You will also need a heater and a powerhead pointing at the water surface for oxygenation and water movement. Many people fail to have a powerhead pointing at the water surface and their fish end up suffocating.

You don't need a skimmer in the QT since fish can tolerate nitrate.

Playa-1 · 05/24/2012, 03:56 PM

I would set it up with a seeded sponge filter and small powerhead or a hang-on style powerfilter.

ADMReef · 05/24/2012, 03:56 PM

Thank you!!! I knew I wasn't using the correct term, but thought it might get the point across. That information is fantastic! It is a limited cost tank. So, if I don't have a new fish to put in for awhile, do I have to run the QT tank? Also, If I am setting it up, can I use the water change water from the DT to fill the QT and then run it? Sorry, stupid questions I am sure.

sandwi54 · 05/24/2012, 04:01 PM

No stupid questions at all! You can certainly use DT water to fill the QT. That will essentially be doing DT a water change. The only case where you cannot do that is when you know your DT has parasites and you are trying to treat the fish in the QT.

You have to cycle the QT just like you do with the DT. QT can be set up for less than $100. It should be very basic anyway as you are only holding fish temporarily for treatment and observation.

Cptn Spaulding · 05/24/2012, 04:06 PM

After your filtration is set up water change water from your display would be a great way to seed your QT. Get some of that filth in your tank and let it simmer. After a couple weeks or so, after the bacteria have colonized, do a water change on your QT, getting rid of any extra nutrients (if there are any). After your levels test out well, you're good to go to quarantine anything. Just make sure you keep up on water changes on your quarantine, as they can get dirty quickly. A good tip is to not feed a heck of a lot while in the QT to keep nutrient levels acceptable.

cloak · 05/24/2012, 08:46 PM

Check these out.

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/blog...sh-made-simple

http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2004/4/tips

http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/20...ture/index.php

05/24/2012, 03:48 PM	#1
ADMReef Registered Member Join Date: May 2012 Posts: 27	Medical tank???? I am new to the hobby, have not set up my display tank yet, just researching everything first. My question is can I run a medical tank (or whatever it is called) with a canister system and no skimmer or do I have to set this small tank up like I would the display tank? Any advice would be appreciated.

05/24/2012, 03:52 PM	#2
sandwi54 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 2,332	Such a tank is called a quarantine tank (QT) or hospital tank. You will want to quarantine every new fish in the QT for 6 weeks and treat with cupramine and prazipro to prevent getting disease into your display tank (DT). A QT can be very basic. All you need is a hang-on-back (HOB) filter that most freshwater keepers use. You can use a canister if you want to, but HOB filter is easier. You will also need a heater and a powerhead pointing at the water surface for oxygenation and water movement. Many people fail to have a powerhead pointing at the water surface and their fish end up suffocating. You don't need a skimmer in the QT since fish can tolerate nitrate. __________________ 375g Envision FOWLR + 125g sump 40g Reef Current Tank Info: 375g FOWLR, 40g Reef

05/24/2012, 04:01 PM	#5
sandwi54 Registered Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 2,332	No stupid questions at all! You can certainly use DT water to fill the QT. That will essentially be doing DT a water change. The only case where you cannot do that is when you know your DT has parasites and you are trying to treat the fish in the QT. You have to cycle the QT just like you do with the DT. QT can be set up for less than $100. It should be very basic anyway as you are only holding fish temporarily for treatment and observation. __________________ 375g Envision FOWLR + 125g sump 40g Reef Current Tank Info: 375g FOWLR, 40g Reef

05/24/2012, 03:56 PM	#3
Playa-1 Moved On Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Laguna Niguel, CA Posts: 7,497	I would set it up with a seeded sponge filter and small powerhead or a hang-on style powerfilter.

05/24/2012, 04:06 PM	#6
Cptn Spaulding Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 598	After your filtration is set up water change water from your display would be a great way to seed your QT. Get some of that filth in your tank and let it simmer. After a couple weeks or so, after the bacteria have colonized, do a water change on your QT, getting rid of any extra nutrients (if there are any). After your levels test out well, you're good to go to quarantine anything. Just make sure you keep up on water changes on your quarantine, as they can get dirty quickly. A good tip is to not feed a heck of a lot while in the QT to keep nutrient levels acceptable.

05/24/2012, 08:46 PM	#7
cloak Moved On Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Stockton, CA Posts: 14,854	Check these out. http://www.advancedaquarist.com/blog...sh-made-simple http://www.advancedaquarist.com/2004/4/tips http://www.reefkeeping.com/issues/20...ture/index.php