Guide to setup a Quarantine Tank (QT). - Page 87

peekay · 11/23/2018, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tastee

Bacteria in a bottle will certainly speed things up, and I use it too, but it is not absolutely necessary. Bacteria is everywhere and the QT will self speed without any other additions - just takes longer. Airborne bacteria will just move on in over time.

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Thanks Tastee, that's what I was wondering regarding the bacteria!

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Tastee · 11/23/2018, 11:34 PM

And I meant to say self-seed not self speed (-:

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peekay · 11/23/2018, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tastee

And I meant to say self-seed not self speed (-:

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I did a 25% water change today. I can smell the ammonia lol

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bnumair · 11/27/2018, 07:43 AM

I have conducted a very extensive study on bacteria in bottle. Experimented with 9 major brands available in market.
Best performance i have found is Fritz TurboStart 900.
It can cycle any tank as high as 8 ppm ammonia in 2-3 days at normal dose.

peekay · 11/27/2018, 07:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bnumair

I have conducted a very extensive study on bacteria in bottle. Experimented with 9 major brands available in market.
Best performance i have found is Fritz TurboStart 900.
It can cycle any tank as high as 8 ppm ammonia in 2-3 days at normal dose.

Whoa, I'll take a look, thanks. Setting up DT as well, will look into jump starting with that

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peekay · 11/27/2018, 11:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by peekay

Whoa, I'll take a look, thanks. Setting up DT as well, will look into jump starting with that

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Ordered some today for the DT and QT tank. Just got the plumbing running in the DT today. Here we go ...

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dawn.ridler · 12/30/2018, 02:12 AM

Is it better to use a refugium setup with live rock or bioballs for a QT?

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bnumair · 01/13/2019, 01:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dawn.ridler

Is it better to use a refugium setup with live rock or bioballs for a QT?

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I prefer and recommend QT setup to be as simple as possible with no Live rock or bioballs. Media can absorb medication like copper making difficult to maintain consistent levels. Then it can leach out at some point of time overdosing the tank.
If one needs to use sand in the qt for some fish that requires it, use pure silica sand. Ceramic media does not absorb copper either.

60diablo · 03/07/2019, 04:34 PM

Hello, I have a 220g DT that now has to sit with just with coral for 4 to 5 months. I guess you can figure what happened to me. Yes, I am a complete "Jerk off" no need to tell me!
I am wondering. Is it crazy to use a 75g tank that I already have as a permanent QT tank? I know it will be expensive but the last fish I want to put back in my DT would be a Annularis Angel, Blonde Naso, Tomini & maybe some other medium size fish. I will quarantine those all fish as suggested 6 to 9 weeks. I will use Prazipro as you have suggested & if need be. Go to copper.

HumbleFish · 03/07/2019, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 60diablo

Hello, I have a 220g DT that now has to sit with just with coral for 4 to 5 months. I guess you can figure what happened to me. Yes, I am a complete "Jerk off" no need to tell me!
I am wondering. Is it crazy to use a 75g tank that I already have as a permanent QT tank? I know it will be expensive but the last fish I want to put back in my DT would be a Annularis Angel, Blonde Naso, Tomini & maybe some other medium size fish. I will quarantine those all fish as suggested 6 to 9 weeks. I will use Prazipro as you have suggested & if need be. Go to copper.

A 75 gal is not a bad idea if you are thinking of QTing some large fish. The main downside is the work required to break down & sterilize if you encounter some sort of "Typhoid Mary" disease and need to reboot it.

60diablo · 03/08/2019, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HumbleFish

A 75 gal is not a bad idea if you are thinking of QTing some large fish. The main downside is the work required to break down & sterilize if you encounter some sort of "Typhoid Mary" disease and need to reboot it.

Thank you. That’s exacly what I’m afraid off. It is a pretty large QT only reason I want to use it is because I have it with stand,lids & light. I understand it will be a lot of work if I have to treat it for a bad disease. I’m also thinking it will be a better temporary home for some of those larger fish if I’m going to keep them in there for 6 to 9 weeks. I’m still a little confused about how long to QT for. At this point I’m willing to do what ever gives me the best chance of not introducing anything bad into my DT.

Then again if a 75g is stupid for me to do. Let me know.

Next question: Filtration
I completely understand the suggestion to keep it simple but unfortunately I have a brand new “Never Used” Topfin CF100 canister filter. It has 5 media trays. I know already I have to take out the carbon out of 1 of the trays.
Tray 1 is mechanical filtration. It’s just a pad
Tray 2 is Plastic Bio balls (Do these need to be removed?)
Tray 3 is Quartz Bio balls (Do these need to be removed?)
Tray 4 is Carbon (I know that has to be removed!!)
Tray 5 is a sponge.

If removing things in these trays what should I replace them with or leave empty?

If using this filter is not worth it let me know please!!!

At this point I am ready to do what ever I have to.

Thank You!

HumbleFish · 03/08/2019, 11:13 AM

Let me ask you this... How large (in inches) are the biggest fish you are wanting to QT? Knowing that will help me advise you better.

60diablo · 03/08/2019, 12:31 PM

The final fish will be around 3 to 5 inches. The Angel would be the largest at 5” to 6” tops. I try to go on the smaller one so I can watch them grow. I would hope to have them long enough to maybe re-home them one day.

HumbleFish · 03/08/2019, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 60diablo

The final fish will be around 3 to 5 inches. The Angel would be the largest at 5” to 6” tops. I try to go on the smaller one so I can watch them grow. I would hope to have them long enough to maybe re-home them one day.

My advice:

1. Stick with 3-5" fish and let them grow into your tank.
2. Use a 29 gallon or 40 breeder as a QT. (Petco sometimes runs a $ per gal sale on those.) Every now & then things go sideways in QT, and you need to break everything down, sterilize and start over. You don't want to have to do all that with a 75 gallon tank.

Below lists everything you need to setup a QT:

1. Heater/thermometer
2. Small powerhead or air pump/air stone, for circulation & gas exchange.
3. Freshly mixed saltwater which has been fully dissolved and circulating for at least 24 hours. Alternatively, you can use DT water to fill your QT so long as you are confident that your display tank is disease-free. Do not siphon near the bottom of your DT, to prevent detritus from being transferred to the QT.

Optional/recommended equipment:

1. Light (can just be a simple, one bulb fixture)
2. Hang on the back (HOB) power filter, where carbon or even a “seeded” sponge can be added
3. Egg crate (used on lighting panels), which can easily be cut with snips to build a custom top to prevent fish from jumping
4. PVC elbows used as “caves” in which the fish hide
5. Seachem Ammonia Alert badge

60diablo · 03/08/2019, 03:01 PM

Ok thank you. I’m hearing you. A 75 would be a lot to strip and start over. Ok I will start looking for a 40g breeder. I think anything smaller would be really tough on those larger fish. I will definitely keep them under 5”.

How long would you QT for 6,7,8,9 weeks? I’m really not in a rush as I have to go fishless in my DT for at least 120 days. Some say 150 days.

HumbleFish · 03/08/2019, 10:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 60diablo

How long would you QT for 6,7,8,9 weeks? I’m really not in a rush as I have to go fishless in my DT for at least 120 days. Some say 150 days.

30 days using one of the following:

1. Chloroquine phosphate
2. Copper Power + Hanna Instruments High Range Copper Checker HI702

I would also deworm using Prazipro, either before or after.

60diablo · 03/08/2019, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HumbleFish

30 days using one of the following:

1. Chloroquine phosphate
2. Copper Power + Hanna Instruments High Range Copper Checker HI702

I would also deworm using Prazipro, either before or after.

I was thinking of not using copper power unless something serious came up during the QT period. That’s why I was asking if a QT period of 6 weeks is enough time to observe for a serious disease like Ich or Velvet. I really don’t want to treat healthy fish with copper power. I’m I wrong?

I was going to use Prazipro right away. I know it won’t help with Ich or Velvet that’s why i will observe as long as i need to.

I’m going with your recommendation with a 40g breeder. Going to pick it up tomorrow.
Thanks for all your input. Please keep it coming

HumbleFish · 03/09/2019, 08:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 60diablo

I was thinking of not using copper power unless something serious came up during the QT period. That’s why I was asking if a QT period of 6 weeks is enough time to observe for a serious disease like Ich or Velvet. I really don’t want to treat healthy fish with copper power. I’m I wrong?

The distribution system is pretty polluted with disease right now. If you are going to just passively observe in QT, I recommend using black mollies as a "canary in a coal mine" to detect diseases before they greatly impact your SW fish.

More info: https://hubpages.com/animals/Keeping...twater-Mollies

Dale_M · 06/12/2019, 05:29 PM

I've had a 5 gal QT set up for 3 weeks now with 2 Bangaii Cardinals which have been doing great. All water parameters are normal.
There are 2 PVC fittings for hide spots.
I am wondering, is it normal for diatoms to grow on the PVC?

bnumair · 06/17/2019, 01:08 PM

yes its normal. Diatoms are related to silicate levels in sand or salt and over time this phase will pass.

Trailermann · 08/27/2019, 10:40 PM

Disappointed that this thread is only relating to fish. Where can I find guidelines on setting up a permanent coral QT?

bnumair · 08/29/2019, 05:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trailermann

Disappointed that this thread is only relating to fish. Where can I find guidelines on setting up a permanent coral QT?

Its not a whole lot different. You setup a tank and cycle it.
Make sure on a coral qt you need to have all the parameters in line and lights strong enough to grow corals.
I would have some egg crates or frags racks in steps from low to high light demand corals.
Acceptable ranges

Alk 7-11 Dkh
Cal 380-440ppm
Mag 1100-1700ppm
Phos under 0.05
Nitrates under 10ppm

Good enough flow.
Dip all incoming corals in Revive.

here is a little guide i did write a while back some what addressing your question

http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/sh....php?t=2157531

Malign Reefer · 01/06/2020, 07:31 AM

Is running a UV filter on a quarantine system a no no or is it beneficial to kill bacteria and other things that might be a problem?

bnumair · 01/13/2020, 02:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Malign Reefer

Is running a UV filter on a quarantine system a no no or is it beneficial to kill bacteria and other things that might be a problem?

If you are going to run it on a qt tank, there are a few things to worry about.

1. Make sure running uv wont raise temp of water.
2. run uv for few hours a day not 24/7
3. no direct exposure to fish

uv will kill anything and everything passing across it, good or bad.

Malign Reefer · 01/14/2020, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bnumair

If you are going to run it on a qt tank, there are a few things to worry about.

1. Make sure running uv wont raise temp of water.
2. run uv for few hours a day not 24/7
3. no direct exposure to fish

uv will kill anything and everything passing across it, good or bad.

Thank you!!

11/27/2018, 07:43 AM	#2154
bnumair Dr. Reef at ur service Join Date: May 2009 Location: Tulsa, Ok, USA Posts: 7,751 Blog Entries: 15	I have conducted a very extensive study on bacteria in bottle. Experimented with 9 major brands available in market. Best performance i have found is Fritz TurboStart 900. It can cycle any tank as high as 8 ppm ammonia in 2-3 days at normal dose. __________________ Water Quality: NO3 0,Phos 0,Cal 440,Alk 7.5,Mag 1300 "Reef Fast, You Crash, Reef Slow, You Pass" Mike's Reef 3:16 Current Tank Info: 350g DT,95g sump, 50g Frag tank, 4800gph return 4x Sea swirls. 6x AI Vega Color. 200# Pukani rock, dual recirculating skimmer, Biopellet, GFO Carbon rx's, Cal rx. Closed loop. 1.5hp chiller, genesis renew. Apex & RKE Last edited by bnumair; 11/27/2018 at 07:49 AM.

06/17/2019, 01:08 PM	#2170
bnumair Dr. Reef at ur service Join Date: May 2009 Location: Tulsa, Ok, USA Posts: 7,751 Blog Entries: 15	yes its normal. Diatoms are related to silicate levels in sand or salt and over time this phase will pass. __________________ Water Quality: NO3 0,Phos 0,Cal 440,Alk 7.5,Mag 1300 "Reef Fast, You Crash, Reef Slow, You Pass" Mike's Reef 3:16 Current Tank Info: 350g DT,95g sump, 50g Frag tank, 4800gph return 4x Sea swirls. 6x AI Vega Color. 200# Pukani rock, dual recirculating skimmer, Biopellet, GFO Carbon rx's, Cal rx. Closed loop. 1.5hp chiller, genesis renew. Apex & RKE

01/06/2020, 07:31 AM	#2173
Malign Reefer Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 324	Is running a UV filter on a quarantine system a no no or is it beneficial to kill bacteria and other things that might be a problem? __________________ Barroom Hero

11/23/2018, 11:34 PM	#2152
Tastee Registered Member Join Date: Oct 2017 Location: Sydney Australia Posts: 277	And I meant to say self-seed not self speed (-: Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

12/30/2018, 02:12 AM	#2157
dawn.ridler Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2018 Posts: 1	Is it better to use a refugium setup with live rock or bioballs for a QT? Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk

03/07/2019, 04:34 PM	#2159
60diablo Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Carefree Arizona Posts: 5	Hello, I have a 220g DT that now has to sit with just with coral for 4 to 5 months. I guess you can figure what happened to me. Yes, I am a complete "Jerk off" no need to tell me! I am wondering. Is it crazy to use a 75g tank that I already have as a permanent QT tank? I know it will be expensive but the last fish I want to put back in my DT would be a Annularis Angel, Blonde Naso, Tomini & maybe some other medium size fish. I will quarantine those all fish as suggested 6 to 9 weeks. I will use Prazipro as you have suggested & if need be. Go to copper.

03/08/2019, 11:13 AM	#2162
HumbleFish Moved On Join Date: Feb 2013 Posts: 4,757	Let me ask you this... How large (in inches) are the biggest fish you are wanting to QT? Knowing that will help me advise you better.

03/08/2019, 12:31 PM	#2163
60diablo Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Carefree Arizona Posts: 5	The final fish will be around 3 to 5 inches. The Angel would be the largest at 5” to 6” tops. I try to go on the smaller one so I can watch them grow. I would hope to have them long enough to maybe re-home them one day.

03/08/2019, 03:01 PM	#2165
60diablo Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2019 Location: Carefree Arizona Posts: 5	Ok thank you. I’m hearing you. A 75 would be a lot to strip and start over. Ok I will start looking for a 40g breeder. I think anything smaller would be really tough on those larger fish. I will definitely keep them under 5”. How long would you QT for 6,7,8,9 weeks? I’m really not in a rush as I have to go fishless in my DT for at least 120 days. Some say 150 days.

06/12/2019, 05:29 PM	#2169
Dale_M Official Noob Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Valrico, FL Posts: 76	I've had a 5 gal QT set up for 3 weeks now with 2 Bangaii Cardinals which have been doing great. All water parameters are normal. There are 2 PVC fittings for hide spots. I am wondering, is it normal for diatoms to grow on the PVC?

08/27/2019, 10:40 PM	#2171
Trailermann Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2014 Posts: 34	Disappointed that this thread is only relating to fish. Where can I find guidelines on setting up a permanent coral QT?