QT tank size

[NeoClown]

Hi All,

 

I know it may be frowned upon but was wondering if a 5-7gal tank would be okay for a QT tank for either a firefish or pair of clowns?

 

Thanks,

Ryan

[seabass]

7 is better than 5. Also, you can get a 10 gallon tank for cheap (which would be fine for the specified fish). You'll probably want a top for the firefish.

[NeoClown]

Thanks Seabass. Do you think one of those kits they sell at Petco would work since I would only be running it for only a month per quarantine?

[Neebles]

All you need really is the tank, heater, and Airstone for oxygenation/water movement. I would recommend an ammonia alert badge as well. You don't need anything fancy in your set up. A few pieces of PVC for hiding spots and a desk light or even ambient light should be sufficient.

 

I just took advantage of the petco 1per gallon sale and was able to set up 3 (2 10g and 1 20g) qt tanks for under 100 bucks

[seabass]

Yeah, I agree, you can keep it simple. Some of those kits aren't that bad for a fish QT tank. They're pretty cheap and usually give you a HOB filter for flow and a hood with basic light for viewing (although not suitable for coral quarantine). It's best to transfer a biofilter to the temporary quarantine tank (versus relying on water changes and conditioners).

[NeoClown]

Thanks for the input everyone. Since this will be BB, is there a need to cycle the tank if I'm using NSW?

[Neebles]

I don't cycle my quarantine tanks, but rely on water changes. Now my post qt observation tank is still bare bottom, but I rotate sponge filters that live in my sump when not in use (after being sterilized of course)

[seabass]

Since this will be BB, is there a need to cycle the tank if I'm using NSW?

Nitrifying bacteria reside mostly on hard surfaces (like live rock and sand), not in the water column. You should still transfer a biofilter to the quarantine tank (piece of cured rock, mechanical filter that's been in use for several weeks, or another biological filter).

 

It's also nice to have some Seachem Prime around to detoxify ammonia if need be.

[NeoClown]

Thanks again for the helpful information. So I picked this up this afternoon. I was thinking of taking the filter cartridge and placing it the second chamber of my IM20 to help with the bacteria growth. I was hoping to pick up a new fish this weekend but will be too busy to get one. Could I also dose MB7 or Dr. Tim's All In One to help?

[seabass]

It might help to dose bacteria, but It needs some surface area to colonize. Transferring a biofilter from one tank to another is probably the most common way to establish a quarantine tank.

[NeoClown]

Is it possible for the bacteria to colonize on the biofilter sponge?

[seabass]

Eventually, yes.