Setting Up A Hospital Tank

[roz]

I have read the guides here but still have some questions about setting up a hospital tank. As far as I can tell, I need:
a tank
internal sponge filter (no carbon)
heater (50-100w)
airstone
thermometer
some flower pots or plastic plants for cover

Is this everything? I've been told lighting isn't necessary, is that correct?

The other thing I'm wondering is whether I should use tank water or conditioned tap water? And if a fish needs to be quarantined asap, is it OK to use a new filter, surely it won't have any bugs in it? Do you have to let the tank cycle first as with a main tank? It's just that one of my fish needs immediate attention.

Also, once it is set up, and it's been cleaned following discharge of the patient, do I leave it there in case of emergencies or pack it away? I've been told you can keep the filter sponge in the main tank to keep it mature, is this the best thing to do?

Sorry to appear so ignorant, I had tried to do everything right and am now kicking myself for not setting up a hospital tank earlier.

 

[smurfyy_2k3]

you don't really need the air stone or lighting

conditioned tap water as it hasn't come into contact with the fish which may have caused disease
run your new filter in your main tank for 2 weeks to build up the bacteria clean the tank thoroughly and run the filter in your main tank

and thats it

 

[Bloo]

I would actually say an airstone and spare airpump is very handy to have - especially when dealing with something like whitespot when you need every little bit of extra aeration you can get.

 

[keane]

you don't really need the air stone or lighting

conditioned tap water as it hasn't come into contact with the fish which may have caused disease
run your new filter in your main tank for 2 weeks to build up the bacteria clean the tank thoroughly and run the filter in your main tank

and thats it

so what you are saying is....dont use actual water from the main tank because it may have infection but.....do use the filter that has been sat for two weeks+ filtering the water in the main tank that may have infection because that will be ok?

I don't think so.

On the other hand however, I am unsure how else to obtain a bacteria colonised filter if you can't run it on your main tank.

I would be interested for thoughts here, bearing in mind this is a hospital tank and not a quarantine tank for new fish prior to introduction to a main tank.

(sorry to hijack...)

Steve

 

[Jules H-T]

You don't need to worry about taking anything from the main tank to the hospital tank, the fish is already ill. I'd take tank water over to minimise the shock to the fish.

I permanently have a little fluval running in my main tank. If I need to hospitalise/quarantine, it moves over into the hospital tank, and is ready for the bioload. When hospitalisation is complete I clean the filter, leave it to dry out for a few weeks, replace the media, and get it in the main tank for next time.

 

[Arfie]

You don't need to worry about taking anything from the main tank to the hospital tank, the fish is already ill. I'd take tank water over to minimise the shock to the fish.

I permanently have a little fluval running in my main tank. If I need to hospitalise/quarantine, it moves over into the hospital tank, and is ready for the bioload. When hospitalisation is complete I clean the filter, leave it to dry out for a few weeks, replace the media, and get it in the main tank for next time.

I do exactly the same

I'd also agree with Bloo, you do need an airstone as many medications reduce the disolved oxygen in the water as does raising the temperature of the water which is needed in some treatments (ich for example), so keep the airstone . Lighting is not needed and darker conditions may well help the fish (think how much better you feel laying in a darkened room when you feel ill) .

Arfie

 

[roz]

My thanks to everyone who has been so prompt in replying to this post, it's genuinely appreciated.

 

[TwoTankAmin]

If you are running a sponge filter, you really don't need the airstone. Sponge filters are an excellent choice as they dont generate a lot of flow.

You don't need to cycle an H tank nor do you need to use a cycled filter. many meds will kill the bacteria anyway.

You do need a heater and thermometer.

You don't need a light.

You dont need main tank water in an H tank. You do need water of similar parameters as the main tank- ie pH and temp.

My normal routine for an H tank is to do 25% wc every other day. If you are dosing meds that day, dose after the wc. if it is not a dosing day, then dose the new water proportionately so you are not removing the meds due to the water change.

When you are done treating, the tank should be sterilized- this includes everything that is in the tank- rocks, plastic plants, heater, therm etc etc. I normally do this by filling the tank, putting every thing into it and adding bleach. Do not leave a sponge in there too long as it will disintigrate- I usually just throw out the sponge itself and replace that.

 

[DazedNCoNfUsEd]

This is my idea for a hospital tank, please correct me if I'm wrong experts.

I have a spare 10 gallon tank, power filter, and heater that I keep all in storage. If needed I can set it up, then put a couple of filter cartridges from my established tank filter into the hospital tank filter which should be plenty enough good bacteria for one or two sick fishes. I haven't had to use it yet fortunately but that all makes sense right?

I know that would be taking good bacteria from my current tank but that would be easy to control by limiting the feeding and keeping an eye on the levels I would think.


*Sorry didn't mean to hijack the thread either but thought it might be be relevant to the first post....

 

[Bloo]

If you are running a sponge filter, you really don't need the air stone. Sponge filters are an excellent choice as they dont generate a lot of flow.

Ever battled a really nasty bout of ich where you increase the temperature and have two filters with venturis running and it's still not enough - with all fish gasping and breathing like mad for days ?

So with that in mind - I would say the few pounds ££'s on the air pump and air stone bar (the longer the better) is very important.

You don't need to cycle an H tank nor do you need to use a cycled filter. many meds will kill the bacteria anyway.

But many don't - and with many meds you can't do water changes for up to a week - by which time you're dealing with unsuitable water conditions and an even more stressed fish.

So in my opinion also handy to have - unless of course you can just clone it if you have enough spare media to go around.