q-tank set-up questions

[zeebo]

hi, have had q-tanks in past ,but never set them up right, using gravel, etc. so now I want to start up a new one in a 5g tank.

1. will have no substrate,just the glass bottom, but read that bacteria can grow, how does one deal with that ?

2. want to use a spare,unseeded sponge filter, I will put it in another tank, but for how long till it is ready for q-tank?

3. will removing sponge filter from running tank cause mini-cycle ?

thanks, just wanna get it right .

 

[matubula]

1. I've used substrates and no substrate for my quarantine tanks. I can't say I've ever had a problem with not having a substrate in them, as per normal tanks.

2. I would leave it least a month or so, similar to setting up a brand new filter.

3. Removing the additional filter shouldn't create a problem.

 

[zeebo]

thanks Matt, your info is a big help.

 

[Brengun]

I keep a little ehiem 2213 canister and a spare sponge filter running in other tanks. When I need to have the Q tank set up I syphon water from the other tanks and move the filters in.

 

[bigbird]

all good ideas, although in most tanke i have 2 caanisters filters and can jut remove one for a quick q tank. The other option is to look at the new Eheim small filters for nano tanks that would do a 5G tank and attach this to a main tank and just transfer when needed. cheers jk :thumbup:

 

[Lornek8]

all good ideas, although in most tanke i have 2 caanisters filters and can jut remove one for a quick q tank.

Kind of a dangeroous practice, no? A couple of reasons I can see. 1) biological filtration of a tank is dependent on biological load so the biological filtration of the tank will be fairly equally divided between the two canisters (assuming they are the same sized canisters). When you take one off the tank you effectively remove 1/2 your biological filtration. The only safe way I see doing this is if one canister (or any filter for that matter) is considerably smaller than the other filters in the tank. 2) When it comes time to transfer the filter you risk introducing disease back to the main tank unless you completly break down and sterilize the filter, kinda a lot of work which is why sponge fitlers are so popular as qt filters.

 

[Brengun]

Yeah if its a hospital tank and I am likely to be throwing medication in, the canister doesnt come into it.

My Q tank canister is only a little one and the main tank canister is a big 2217 so the main tank doesnt really miss it much.

Having both canister and sponge in a Q tank is for plecos purchased as they are likely to be in there for a month or two while I keep an eye on them, worm them and stuff.

The sponge filter when I shut down the Q tank goes back into the bichir tank. She doesn't mind. Not into a pleco tank.

 

[bigbird]

I only have a small 2213 and a 2217 in each tank. I also look at the fish stock, IE in my 5ft tank I have 6 L134 and 6 x L004 and no more. I only transfer the cannister for the Q tank when needed and have not noticed any change of water issues etc. I also always have a spare cannister that I can easily put on , if require to assist the 2217, although not seeded it does collect up the gunk etc. Suppose it is relative too fish stock etc. Just give me a very quick Q tank if needed ASAP cheers jk :thumbup:

 

[zeebo]

thanks guys for this insightful information. I was concerned about a mini-cycle. I plan to purchase some wild caught L's when available and after this bought with ich in my main tank, I decided to use the 5g. Ok , will use a spare sponge filter(have 3 in my fish box) and will set it up in the 30g to seed it. Then after a month, I will set up the 5g , and use water from there too. I will try to work it so new plecs and filter are ready same time .

Oh, right, I don't have a cover for the 5g, any suggestions on something I may have around the house to use ?

thanks loads everyone !

 

[Brengun]

Got a sliding glass lid for a cabinet you can borrow? Lift it out and plonk on the tank leaving a bit openfor your airlines and heater.

 

[Lornek8]

I've done saran wrap or wax paper with rubber band at times.