Reusing a QT

[bamf25]

I currently have a 40b as as QT tank and my intention is to get my DT fully stocked in the next few months. So I plan on getting 1 or 2 new fish at a time, keeping then in the QT 4 to 6 weeks, then moving the next group right in. Right now I have 2 fish in the QT, and they have been there for 1 week. What (if any) percuations need to be taken after these guys have been moved to the DT and before new fish can be put in the QT?

[MrTuskfish]

Just be sure the bio-filter is holding up. Check ammonia, ghost feed if necessary, don't worry about nitrate (much). You can use DT water to do WCs in your QT once in a while, assuming your DT has great water conditions. Be sure pollutants are kept out---QTs are often in basements, etc. Run carbon or a similar media for a while to remove old meds and toxins. Siphon crud if it needs doing.

[peasofme]

qt should be 6 weeks mininum. i learned that the hard way.

[MrTuskfish]

qt should be 6 weeks mininum. i learned that the hard way.

+1 It appears that ich cysts (and possibly other parasites) can hold on to their disgusting offspring longer than previously thought.

[sponger0]

My concern is if you have ever used it as a hospital tank.

[MrTuskfish]

My concern is if you have ever used it as a hospital tank.
Why?
I hope you;re not referring to the old myth that silicone tank sealant absorbs copper or other meds. ; it doesn't.

[sponger0]

Why?
I hope you;re not referring to the old myth that silicone tank sealant absorbs copper or other meds. ; it doesn't.

And do tell me when this became a myth?

[MrTuskfish]

And do tell me when this became a myth?

It always has been, I assume. Here's part of what Seachem, maker of Cupramine says, their tech-support is great (IMO):
"A: Our Cupramine is the only copper based remedy of it's kind on the market as this technology is very unique to our company. This copper based remedy is complexed to an organic (amine), hence the name Cupramine. This complex is very stable in water, meaning it is the least likely of all the copper remedies to "stick" to a gravel bed or live rock. I am not aware of any copper that sticks to silicon seals." (http://www.seachem.com/support/FAQs/Cupramine.html#faq12)

You can search and find tons of info that de-bunks this. Every fish I own, that's a lot, has been prophetically treated with copper in my 55 gal QT. Since I moved 6+ years ago, that tank has seen enough copper to wipe out the Georgia Aquarium. I remove the copper after treatment with Cuprisorb and copper in the water is not detectable with a good test kit. Some things may stain silicone, but won't be absorbed.

[sponger0]

Ok if thats the case, then whys every scream it everytime mentioning buying a used tank or using a QT with inverts or changing to a DT?

And on top of that, even though they say never known a copper to be absorbed. But they are the maker of cupramine and not other copper teatments.

[MrTuskfish]

Ok if thats the case, then whys every scream it everytime mentioning buying a used tank or using a QT with inverts or changing to a DT?

And on top of that, even though they say never known a copper to be absorbed. But they are the maker of cupramine and not other copper teatments.

I've seen this question many times on this forum and really good hobbyists always come forward and say the silicone/copper myth, is a myth.
My favorite theory on how this may have gotten started is that when people noticed that Meth blue was coloring their silicone. Blue is an indicator color for copper and the assumption was somehow made that the silicone must be absorbing and releasing copper. Years ago, I used a lot of meth blue, to protect FW Angelfish eggs from fungus. These hatching tanks developed very blue seams; but if you sliced a piece of the sealant, it was obvious that the silicone was only dyed and not absorbed. BTW, the SeaChem quote states that the tech said "any copper''; not just Cupramine. I'm no chemist, but I can't imagine much of anything leeching through silicone; wouldn't our tanks leak all kinds of stuff? Wouldn't LFS (and other) systems that run copper 24/7/365 reach a dangerous copper level and find the copper impossible to monitor. I always wipe the tank seams between uses to keep them free of crud that could possibly absorb copper. Not a big worry, but a good habit. Getting gabby here; but I once had a chemist at a big University SW aquaculture lab (and 1st rate SW hobbyist), tell me that silicone absorbing and releasing copper (she actually added "anything"). I can't use her name, so you'll have to trust me on her quote. If you'd like; you can always start a new thread, maybe the new hobbyists section, and see what responses you get. There are a lot of people who feel the way you do; but I've never seen anything that documents the fact that silicone absorbs and releases anything, much less copper. And I've looked. Oh yeah, here's a typical RC thread on this subject. you can search the forum and find many bigger and more in-depth discussions. the consensus is always the same.:http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2044748&highlight=silicone+copper.

[Chris27]

It's all about the chemical reaction really. There isn't much out there that can react with silicone in such a way that it breaks down. Knowing that a chemical reaction between copper sulfate and polymerized siloxanes (silicone) isn't possible, one can be certain that a copper treated QT is just fine for copper sensitive livestock after a quick FW rinse to dilute or remove the little bit of copper treated water that may be left.

[Chris27]

And do tell me when this became a myth?

Lenny - be nice to MrTusk...haven't you been taught to respect your elders?

[MrTuskfish]

Lenny - be nice to MrTusk...haven't you been taught to respect your elders?
Yeah! Even my kids call me MISTER Geezer. Speaking of the Virginia Beach crowd; two of the world's best anglers migrated from from Va. Beach to The Fla. Keys; and I taught them much of what they know. That was way back in the early 70s, when I was just out of College and living (fishing, drinking, diving, partying, working a little etc.) in the Keys. Wonderful days.

[sponger0]

I wasnt being mean, only questioning his sources as I like proof. I dont wanna be a test project and lose money in livestock. I have been able to prove to myself that copper can be removed from a QT tank. But ever since I started my interest in saltwater 2 years ago, NO TANK THAT HAVE HAD COPPER FOR A REEF. Thats what Ive heard. So I said ok. lol. Even sold some tanks to people wanted to turn them into saltwater tanks and they were pretty determined that they couldnt use it.

Why you gotta give me a hard time on here too, Chris??