Quarantine tank... will the following work

[Simon1]

I'm setting up my quarantine tank and want opinions. The setup is as follows: 25 gal. high, eclipse 2 hood w/ filtration, heater, 3 inches crushed coral. Will this be work out for me ?

 

[Anonymous]

I'd ditch the crushed coral for a bare bottom so that it's easier for water changes, and nothing can escape the water change. Also, place a small PVC in there, so your Qt'd fish can hide in it. ... IMHO.
HTH,
~wings~

 

[Simon1]

Thanks for the info. I've read the same, but this would make for an eyesore. In the end, I don't care if the tank is ugly. I just want whatever is best for the fish. Maybe I can keep the QT in a closet or cover it with a sheet or something LOL.

 

[Anonymous]

What is best for the fish is to keep the tank free of substrate.

Part of the reason for this is the ubiquitous ich infection. Once the cysts break open, the substrate is going to give those fellows a fantastic place to gain a good foothold. It would also negate the added benefit (while battling said infestation) of siphoning off the bottom of the tank to remove as many of these little critters as possible.

I suggest several pieces of PVC - the reason for using PVC and not other items is that it can easily be sterilized, and its non-porous surface reduces further the places ich can lodge into.

 

[Anonymous]

Simon,
I know what you mean...I live in a condo, with limited space. Having tanks all over the place is not my wife's idea of "neat". Luckily, I have a friend who QTs them for 3 weeks, before I bring them over to my place.
Exactly what Seamaiden says- are the reasons why you should do a bare tank. In the long run, it's just easier. Also, don't skimp on the QT... it will cost you... every shop by me has "sick" fish, that should be QT'd before even thinking about putting them in the display tank.
All the best!
~wings~

 

[Simon1]

I think I just found a problem. The filter pads for the eclipse contain activated carbon. If I ever have to medicate fish in the tank, the carbon will draw it out of the system. Maybe I should reconsider this setup. Thanks for the help though!

 

[Anonymous]

Either that, or run the canister without the carbon. That way, you can keep up the good circulation.
~wings~