QT is set up , now what do i do .

agent77 · #1 02-03-2009, 06:54 AM

I have my 20G QT set up at 1.021 . Do I just wait now for a cycle or do I have to put something in to start it up . I just have a bare bottom with a couple power heads in it . I have a HOB filter , is there anything else I should have in there or any ideas what my next step would be . Thanks for you help .

rocketlily · #2 02-03-2009, 12:25 PM

Tagging along on this one. I set up a 20 gal QT tank 2 weeks ago. I put in a few rocks that were in my sump and filled it with water from a water change from the 90 gal. All I have for equipment is a HOB filter and a heater. Maybe I should add a powerhead too?

10 days ago I purchased a little (very small) Pyjama Cardinal and put him in. He seems to be doing very well. No white spots or diseases showing yet. I'm very glad I did put him in QT as I had trouble getting him to eat the first week. The only thing I can get him to eat is Cyclop-eeze. He would have been lost in the 90 gal and I doubt that I would have been able to find him to try out different foods.

agent77 · #3 02-03-2009, 04:19 PM

I dont know if its good to have rock in QT tank cause if you have to treat your QT tank with anything you will have die off on the rock and then that could cause a cycle and you could end up hurting your fish you put in there . (STRESS) Correct me if Im wrong , anyone please .

Rbacchiega · #4 02-03-2009, 06:07 PM

use some larger diameter PVC pipe in the tanks. That will provide the necessary hidespots.

For the HOB filter, as long as there is decent water movement through it, there shouldn't be need for a powerhead. Keep up with regular maintenance on your QT tank just as you would with your main display.

rocketlily · #5 02-03-2009, 06:08 PM

The pieces I put in were extras I had left over. I put them in the tank just to provide a hiding space for the fish. If I had to treat the fish for anything, it would be a quick job to remove them, before starting the treatment.

agent77 · #6 02-03-2009, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rocketlily

The pieces I put in were extras I had left over. I put them in the tank just to provide a hiding space for the fish. If I had to treat the fish for anything, it would be a quick job to remove them, before starting the treatment.

true enough

Does anyone know if I have to cycle it before putting fish in

Wont you get stale water spots if theres not enough water movement in there

I dont think the HOB have enough movement at all . Do I have to provide a airstone then if I remove power heads

rocketlily · #7 02-03-2009, 08:36 PM

Good questions. I would like to know the answers to these also.

agent77 · #8 02-04-2009, 06:03 PM

would love to hear what people have to say cause I have read so many things about QT's that it gets confusing on whats best to do . What works and what doesn't

Someone please help us

s out

Rbacchiega · #9 02-04-2009, 08:41 PM

Cycle the tank (at least that's what I did) Then keep it just as you would a normal tank but without all the fancy aspects of the display tank. Salinity, Temp, PH, etc. should be the same between the two tanks.

What kind of HOB filter are you using? If you're worried about it, an added powerhead would only help.

I wouldn't remove the power heads if you don't think that there is enough water movement.

Hope this helps

agent77 · #10 02-04-2009, 09:45 PM

awesome , but how do you start the cycle without liverock in there ?Do I just through some frozen shrimp in there to rot and will that start the cycle . Thanks again for your help .