5 Gallon QT Tank Question

[tnias]

My 34G Solana should arrive this week but I already have my 5G QT tank setup and was planning on getting some fish tomorrow. This will allow the QT period to be complete by the time the DT is ready. Is a 5G tank large enough to keep a pair of small clowns or do I need to add them one at a time to control the bio load on the QT tank?

Thanks for the input.

[threephase37]

slow down !!!! Your putting the cart before the horse. Try to get the water in the QT and DT as close as possible, to do this both tanks need to be fully cycled. Take time to read some sticky threads at the top of the page.

[tnias]

Thanks for the input however I have read all the sticky's over the past several months including Sk8r's regarding QT tanks. Unless I misread his posts and several others on the forum not all QT tanks are established like the DT. He specifically discusses checking the parameters everyday and multiple water changes to keep any ammonia levels down. And yes I could cycle the QT first which some on the forum have suggested but just as many have recommended not cycling and just monitoring the conditions.

I am in no hurry and was planning on keeping my first fish in QT for 4+ weeks which should give ample time for the DT to cycle and get my CUC started well before I would introduce fish to the DT, and if more time is needed the fish can stay in QT longer.

Ignoring the cycling of the QT for a moment I would still like some comments regarding 2 clowns in QT of a 5G tank. If this is acceptable after the QT is cycled then I can certainly wait and just get a single fish.

I appreciate the comments but would love to get some other opinions on the QT cycling question especially from Sk8r if he happens upon this thread.

[lacosta28]

I am new as well and I also asked a question about a QT tank. Sk8r said you could get fish into your 2nd week of cycling your DT. I don't think you could setup and have fish in the QT before or the same time as your DT. Your DT will take longer than 4-6 weeks to cycle.

[tnias]

Thanks for the comment. I read that thread

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1975381

and Sk8r mentions that he is not a believer in cycling the QT tank. Sk8r seems to be a well respected reefer on this site.

So does everyone keep a fully cycled QT ready at hand? What do you do in an emergency if you don't? Some put sponges in their sumps while others don't because of the nitrate concerns. If you don't keep a sponge handy in the sump do you setup the QT tank 2-3 weeks ahead of a new fish purchase so you can cycle it? It seems adding water from the DT has only minimal benefits. Is this one of those items that people agree to disagree?

[lacosta28]

Thanks for the comment. I read that thread

http://reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1975381

and Sk8r mentions that he is not a believer in cycling the QT tank. Sk8r seems to be a well respected reefer on this site.

So does everyone keep a fully cycled QT ready at hand? What do you do in an emergency if you don't? Some put sponges in their sumps while others don't because of the nitrate concerns. If you don't keep a sponge handy in the sump do you setup the QT tank 2-3 weeks ahead of a new fish purchase so you can cycle it? It seems adding water from the DT has only minimal benefits. Is this one of those items that people agree to disagree?

From what I read and understand if you don't keep any rock or sand in the QT it will not cycle. Just water, floss filter, heater and some pvc for the fish to hide in. You will have to do a water change of 20% weekly though. That's why you can put fish in there while you allow your DT to cycle.

I don't plan on keeping it up full time, only for when I buy fish or have to put on in the hospital to medicate.

[lacosta28]

I also wanted to add that I think you have a good plan except I think you should wait until you setup your DT first and then when you are into your 2nd week you can setup a QT with fish. You just want to allow your DT enough time to cycle so you aren't maintaining a QT for longer than you have to.

[jeff@zina.com]

1. I don't normally cycle a quarantine tank, but I do try to keep an active sponge filter in my sump so I can put it in the quarantine tank.

2. 5 Gallons is too small for a quarantine tank, for anything. Evaporation and basic functions will mean the parameters will never be stable, something that's important in a quarantine tank.

3. Two clowns (occelaris or percula)would do fine in a 10 gallon tank, for quarantine or permanent use.

4. While Sk8tr is correct in timing of a quarantine and the main tank, it doesn't leave time for issues during or after the cycle. Personally, I'd put two clowns in quarantine at the same time as setting up the main tank and plan on six weeks before they get moved. Keep up on water changes and checking parameters in both tanks.

5. It's the hobby's slogan: Nothing good happens fast.

Jeff

[jokim]

QT really needed? i know its important to watch the fish 4-6 weeks before you put him int he tank, but if you don't have a QT and just put him int hte tank, what are you risking?

[jeff@zina.com]

... but if you don't have a QT and just put him int hte tank, what are you risking?
Getting a disease, such as ich, established in the tank.

Jeff

[john miller]

You can do it your way but you may have to keep them in QT longer if you have any issue with the cycle of your DT. More water changes, more expense, more hassle but still doable.

And FYI Sk8r is a she.

[Chris27]

Get rid of the 5 Gal QT, and get a 10 Gal, they are usually less then $15 anywhere that sells aquariums, Walmart included. A 5 Gal is just too small for anything really, your perspective clowns will do just fine in a 10 system....a 20L is even better though if you want to spend $20-$30 :)

FWIW, I keep a cycled QT, for one, if I'm out and see a fish I want, I'm ready for it aside from maybe a small salinity adjustment, and two, you never know when you may need to get a fish out of the display for something.

Even without having a cycled QT at the ready, an un-cycled one isn't too much trouble. In a small tank, a 50% water change is an easy task, and medicating, salinity adjustments and the like are easy, given the small volume of water. Additives like Prime or Amquel can also help address ammonia in a pinch when you're not ready for a water change....just make sure to check that they are compatible with any meds you may be using.

[Chris27]

QT really needed? i know its important to watch the fish 4-6 weeks before you put him int he tank, but if you don't have a QT and just put him int hte tank, what are you risking?

Cryptocaryon Irritans, Velvet, Brooklynella, misc worms, bacterial infection, viral infection, fish compatibility, fish / invert / coral compatibility, etc.....

Keeping ailments out from the start is far easier then eradicating later.

No SW hobbyist should be without a QT......cost and space are the typical excuses, however the reality is that a QT setup often costs less then 1 fish and takes up little room.

[erikras]

I had planned to go 10gal for my QT. But the LFS had a sale where you got a 20gal tank, canopy, and fluorescent strip for about $40. The stand cost me about $15 in 2x4's and plywood from Lowe's. It's not pretty but it's in the basement so who cares.

[tnias]

Thanks for the responses. After the comments I will likely upgrade my QT to a 10G after my first fish and convert the 5G tank to my ATO tank below the stand, assuming I don't have to treat the fish for any diseases that would cause harm to the DT.

Cost is not a problem for a larger QT tank its the size and where I need to put it. I will have to measure to see if a 10G will fit. I suspect for the first year I will be using the QT most of the time until I complete the fish stocking for the tank. It also allows me to use it for my 75G I will be setting up in the office next month.

Thanks for clearing up the gender of Sk8r, sorry.

Chris27 I went to high school in Virginia Beach!