Quarantine tank for new arrivals

[fishmadpete]

I have kept fish for nearly 20 years and have never really bothered with a quarantine tank for new arrivals.
However I have just had a virtual wipe out of my tropical tank after introducing new fish and a new additional filter. I don't know what killed the fish as there was no visible signs. The fish looked rather lethargic and making suuden dashes to the surface. I tested the water nitrite was zero and nitrite about 20. It was suggested that the extra filteration and the new currents around the tank could have stress the fish. Anyway I intend in future to quarantine any new arrivals.

Should the quarantine tank be filled with the main tank water so that the new arrivals will acclimatise to the water they will eventually be housed in?
If fresh water is used then surly the fish will be stressed again when transferred to the main tank?

Regards to all

 

[beblondie]

I QT new fish for 4 weeks first 2 weeks its regular tap 3rd week older tank and new water roughly 50/50 ,the last week i try for 70% old 30% new-Anne

 

[kittybug]

i have been thinking of starting a quarantine tank also but i have no idea how to set it up and keep it cycled if i go a few weeks without buying any new fish. if someone could post a little more detail on how to i would appreciate it

 

[canarsie11]

In between fish purchases I feed my quarantine tank ammonnia!

 

[fishmadpete]

Many thanks for the comments.
Have checked out the beginners forum and there are many answers to my question.

bi for now

 

[spottedbovine]

maybe keep inexpensive fish like guppies in there to keep the tank cycled