Quarantine/ Hospital Tank

[puppyjess123]

Welll i was looking at some posts when they were talking about q/h tanks and i said "i don't have enough money2 then they replied you can just get a plastic bucket etc etc. Soooo i've been thinking would it be alright to use this as a q/h tank. Its a plastic toy box sorta thing and around 5 imperial gallons (used calculator thingy).

To give you a rough idea of how big they are.

Now if it is okay to use. Can you tell me -
1. What i would need (A filter, heater etc) cheapest possible please. Also i alreeady have some ornaments for their from my main tank as i have to many ornaments in their - also i was planning on a bare bottom or is this bad?
2. Would i need a light as i can't put one into a toy box lid or should i just put it in the sun for eight hours then not etc.
3. Where would i position it in my room?
4. how long would it take to cycle? Or could i normally turn it all off until i need it and position the filter into the main tank and when its needed fill it up with water from main tank and move filter into their. Also how long would it take for good bacteria to grow on the filter?
5. If i have to cycle how do i? lol last time my next door neighbour done it and they have now moved.

So thanks if you need anymore info please ask

Lucy

 

[puppyjess123]

Come on guys help me out here

 

[SharonCC]

That will be fine. Run a spare filter(suitable for a 5gal.) in one of your cycled tanks, and move it when necessary, into the Qtank. You will need a heater. It doesn't really matter where you keep the bin...I keep one in a closet where it stays, until I need it. Bare bottom is best, actually, as if there is disease or parasites, the tank is much easier to clean. No light needed...

 

[puppyjess123]

Shall i not put it in the sun just done a bit of reading and it said it is bad. Also what sort of heater and filter would i need and roughly how much would it be.

 

[SharonCC]

Heaters and filters are usually labelled at the store...suitable for 5,10 20gal etc. Just get what is appropiate for a 5 gal...I really don't know how much it will cost where you are...

 

[lilfishie]

my heater for my 5 and 6 gal tanks cost £10, and that was on offer

 

[puppyjess123]

Id this alright from pets at home for a heater its 50 watts (is that to much or to little for a 5 gallon tank?) its a heater and thermoter in one. And i'm thinking of a fluval filter which one? 1 , 1+, 2 etc

 

[lilfishie]

i use a 25 watt, but have a 50 watt in the 5 currently as i need the 25 elsewhere (betta breeding tank) and i have elite mini's in mine, although they are fry tanks so very little waste produced, a fluval should be fine IMO

 

[puppyjess123]

So 25 watt (how much?) thermoter (£2.00 probably) and a fluval 1 + maybe or 2? (cost about ???)

Also would i ned to cut little holes for air to get through?

 

[lilfishie]

i paid £10 for my 25 watt and the same for my 50 watt, and paid £16 for a fluval 1+ a few days ago, don't know if its a good price but my filter died on me so was an emergency

 

[puppyjess123]

Roughly around £30 then i'll only have a tenna left! Ahh gotta start earning some pocket money.

 

[lilfishie]

i know, just recently this hobby is costing me a fortune, but i am getting it all myself now where i didn't before

 

[puppyjess123]

will i need holes for air?

 

[OldMan47]

You would be better just getting a sponge filter than the 1+. It will end up costing quite a bit less and will do the job. You don't really need air holes in the lid, don't fill the bottom all the way and just let the lid sit loose on the top instead of sealing it. You will need to get the power cord for the heater and the air line for the sponge filter in there anyway.

 

[kevinthecow]

Get a sponge filter. The Heater doesnt really need to be a really strong one, I have a 4g tank and my heater isnt strong.

Also, you should put a plant in it, or a clean team. (Various shrimps --> Snails that are small)

i was thinking of a q/h, but Im currently using my 4g for my fry.

bad move, I just should have used the 1g candy box.