QT questions

[Phillberto]

Hi Stephen,
I've just read your quarantine article (well skimmed - I'm at work and will read thoroughly tonight). Very informative thanks. I've got a few questions if you don't mind. I'm new to the hobby and was in the process of setting up my tank (bought second hand with one fish).
Long story short - I bought a PB Tang - which got mild ich and treated coppersafe in my display tank (live rock only) - cringe.

I'm about to transfer everything to a Quarantine tank (4 fish in total).

I've still to buy a tank/container - I was thinking 20 gallons.

I'm worried about keeping the water stable. Would you recommend I use the display tank live rock and hyposalinity to treat ich or keep empty and use copper-based treatment?

Other issue I have is I have a blenny. I'm a bit confused they seem to be a 'carrier' of ich. Other posters suggest removing them - I don't get it. If they are a carrier surely they should be treated?

If i go with an empty tank and chemical ich treatment what will break down the ammonia/nitrite/nitrate - you mentioned a filter but even if I buy one it is going to take time to break in. If I run it on the main tank will it not serve as a nitrate producer?

I'm thinking I'm better going with hyposalinity and running a filter on main tank for further use of display tank but I'd appreciate your comments.

[Steven Pro]

If the fish have already been treated successfully with copper, why are you going to remedicate them in a quarantine?

In the future, I would urge you to quarantine though. As for filtration in quarantine, I would not use liverock. Instead, a sponge filter or other substitute is best. Leave running on your display at all times so it is ready at a moments notice. The nitrate production should be minimal and of no harm.