Setting up Fry/Hospital Tank

[ClaireN]

Hi All

I’m going to set up a small tank (about 6 UK Gallons) as a hospital/fry tank, but i'm not sure the best way to go about it, and have a few questions.

I have got a new small filter that I have put in a mature tank, will this clone the existing filter?

If so how long do I need to run it in the mature tank?

What else will I have to do to help the cycling process along?

Is it best to leave the bottom of the tank clear with no gravel or sand, or is it best to use one of the if so which one?

Once the tank is up and running what is the best way to keep it running if I don’t have any fry or sick/quarantined fish (which I hope I don’t ) is it best to keep a couple of very small fish in there such as Guppy’s.

I cant think of any more questions at the moment but if I haven't covered something please let me know

I want to get this right.

Thanks in advance.

Claire

 

[Bloo]

Yes if you run a small filter in a mature tank, it will seed fairly quickly. I'd say give it a week to be on the safe side. However if you can add some filter material from the existing filter that will practically instant cycle the hospital filter.

I never use substrate in my hospital tank though obviously a heater.

Edit: no need to keep it up and running as such. Just leave the spare filter in an existing tank and switch it to the hospital tank when it needs setting up. Remember to remove any carbon.

 

[ncjharris]

Sound advice.

In between uses its best to give the tank a good clean (after and before use), and rinse well if you use detergent.