Quarintine Tank Question
 

I'm trying to price out what the cost of a 10G QT tank is going to be. What is the most inexpensive route to go and still maintain proper function?

I don't know much about it, but I wonder if you'll be quarantining tangs, angels, etc? They won't much like living in a 10 gallon box for a whole month, and it might almost do more harm than good.

Hey Ryan ... What I considered is what size fish are planned for QT and that will help first of all in size of tank ... next will be filtration ... a hang on back filter would probably be fine with frequent water changes ( keep medium for filter in main tank/sump till you need it unless you want this tank up and running all the time ... same for substrate ) ... if you are dosing copper then nothing can be used that could contaminate your main tank ... after that a heater that fits the tank size and NO lighting if just for fish. HTH

Cheers

I won't be getting tangs or anything too large because my display tank isn't big enough for them... I will probably get fish no larger than 2-3" so I figured 10G would be big enough. I was thinking about only setting it up when needed and using water from the display tank at water change time. Do I need a substrate for the 3 weeks they'll be in there? I was going to add a few large diameter pieces of pvc for hiding too. I won't have a sump until I can afford it (maybe a few months) so how can I store media in the main tank without it looking obvious? So right now my list comprises a tank, heater, HOB filter (hagen aquaclear?) what about oxygen exchange.... maybe a air pump and stone? what else do I need? can I get by without a PH?

if you get a small PH like an Aquaclear 201 you should need a air pump. the surface tension should be enough.
I've never used substrate in a Q-Tank because if you does copper it will remain in the sand. Your Idea of PVC is good.

I have (not to say it's right)
10G Tank
18W NO lighting
small heater
3-4 large PVC pieces 2-3 inches.
2 Large rocks (not LR)
201 PH
AquaClear filter w/ Carbon and sponge
(Carbon is removed if copper or an meds are used)

J