Hospital Tank

[andyg81]

so starting a hospital tank - let me get this right.


i need a small tank, - need
a heater - need
a filter - need,
an airstone (got this and a spare pump)
ornaments - got

do i fill it with tank water or fresh treated water ?
do i need a cycled filter ? IE taking media from my main tank ?

this is just incase my platty is actually sick and not just pregnant - i wont be able to find out till around 5pm tonight - really hoping its not dying in the main tank

now to try and track down cheap bits

 

[CezzaXV]

It doesn't necessarily have to be a tank as such, just a watertight container of some description of an appropriate size. The airpump isn't necessary as long as the filter can keep the water surface moving and therefore the water oxygenated, but if you already have one it doesn't do any harm to use it. The ornament isn't 100% necessary either, but it may help your fish feel comfortable if they have a hiding place they can go to.

Yes you will need a cycled filter. Hopefully you've got a well cycled filter and can take some of the media from there. In your situation, I'd buy myself an air driven sponge filter which can be powered by your air pump. I got mine from a Chinese seller on eBay for £1.68. Bargain! The sponges can be removed and kept in your main tank filter, meaning that they're nice and cycled for when you need them

In regards to the water, I'd fill it half with tank water, then pop the fish in, then siphon new water in to fill it up just like you would with a water change. New water is best but you don't want to shock the fish.

 

[andyg81]

Thanks for the tip on a air driven filter, like the sound of that because its cheaper option right now - all my spare funds went into my main tank (replacement filter, etc etc) so im a bit short on cash at the minute

I know this sounds daft but I have a plastic food container that is fairly large, could i use this rather than a tank ?

also what about a heater ? any ideas

 

[CezzaXV]

Yes you can! Food grade plastic is exactly what you want as it won't leech anything out into the water. If it's been used to store food, make sure you give it a good clean with hot water first though. Don't use any cleaning products on it as it could leave a residue behind.

The smallest I've ever seen a heater is 25W. This should be ideal. Since hospital tanks aren't meant to look pretty, you could wrap it in polystyrene or similar to keep the heat in, see if you can save yourself some pennies on the electric.

 

[andyg81]

not so much bothered about the electric its the cost of the items needed to set it up im trying to keep down lol
sounds like im being tight but this month alone ive spent over £120 on my main tank and also had a £400 bill for my car so as you can imagine - SKINT lol

seeing if i can borrow some bits and bobs from a friend whos local to me which would help for now just till pay day then i can get my own stuff.