Qt Tank Questions

[kilgore33]

1. How large of a tank do you need to function as a QT Tank? I have a 90 gallon tank (Fish Only, currently cycling w Cured, Live Rock). Have a sump w Mech/Chemical filter (BioBalls REMOVED) and a protein skimmer which I'll eventually add prior to the addition of Livestock.



2. Do I also need to cycle a QT Tank? Should it be w cured LR?



3. What type of filtration is appropriate for the QT Tank. People advised against HOW Filters, External and Internal Canister filters for the main tank. Is it appropriate to pick up a 10 or 20 gallon tank, put some LR in it now while the main tank is cycling, then add one of the less efficient (But Cheaper) filters to the QT Tank since it will not be used as often as the main tank and will have limited bioload?

 

[kj23502]

1. How large of a tank do you need to function as a QT Tank? I have a 90 gallon tank (Fish Only, currently cycling w Cured, Live Rock). Have a sump w Mech/Chemical filter (BioBalls REMOVED) and a protein skimmer which I'll eventually add prior to the addition of Livestock.

In my opinion, w/all my research a 29 usg tank 30"x12"x16or18" is a good size for QTing a few small fish. Or close to that size would be good. The larger the tank, the more stable the water parameters.

2. Do I also need to cycle a QT Tank? Should it be w cured LR?

Some people do water changes to keep on top of it. Some pull some rock outta their sump/display. The thing w/pulling the rock out of the tank is if you have a fish that ends up w/a disease and have to treat the tank chances are the stuff on the rock will die from treatment. Plus, putting it back into your display w/out boiling it could introduce parasites/infections into your main tank. The rock will come "back to life" after several months of being returned to the main system.

3. What type of filtration is appropriate for the QT Tank. People advised against HOW Filters, External and Internal Canister filters for the main tank. Is it appropriate to pick up a 10 or 20 gallon tank, put some LR in it now while the main tank is cycling, then add one of the less efficient (But Cheaper) filters to the QT Tank since it will not be used as often as the main tank and will have limited bioload?

The QT tank won't stay cycled if there's nothing to feed it, though. If your in between adding fish, it'd be easier to take the tank down and set it up w/some live rock down the road when you need it. That's what I'll do. The fish in QT will enjoy having a rock to hide around. Plus they can nibble at it if they wish. Have a small power head for water movement. I'd just grab a rock from your main display or sump and proceed w/caution as stated above.

I haven't done it yet, but this is how I will. I'm holding off b/c of the job market. We just had a major manufacturing plant shut down that's been here for about 40 years (I believe). We don't work manufacturing but my hubby and I both work for the Govt and they are currently thinking of ways to cut costs so I'm scared atm.

 

[kilgore33]

Sorry to hear about the current state of affairs Hopefully things get better!!

 

[kj23502]

Thanks, good thing is, if they elminate my position they usually move people around so they don't have to lay off. I could make a bit less $$ though. We'll see. I'm debating on how long how I should wait until I start setting up. Decisions, decisions.

I hope your tank goes well. You know, since we're helping you we do need a picture at some point