New Fish-QT Tank questions assistance please

QT Tank Questions

I just made a purchase on LA and their Diver’s Den and I’m thinking now is a good time to do my first QT tank.

I have never used a QT tank before in both my sw and fw experience (well I used it once with some rams but they didn’t make it) but now that I have a bunch of expensive corals and 8 fish/random inverts I would rather try to prevent introducing any new diseases to the tank.

Just ordered a:
“tiny” blue Caribbean tang (1-2”)
Small Kole Tang (2-2.5”)
Diver’s Den Sargassum/Red Tail Trigger (about 4 ¾ “)

With those 3 fish in mind, I’m guessing I should QT them for a while. How long, I have heard that Trigger’s don’t do well in QT tanks. Now the question remains, what size QT should I use and let me know if my technique below is a good idea or not.

My only spare tank is a 55g which is most likely a bit big for a QT, so I’ll have to go buy one today. Would a 20g work? 10g? do I need to QT or do fish from LA usually arrive in good condition?

QT procedures (as far as I know)
Take about 25% of the QT’s volume in your current tank water
Add 75% new saltwater
No rocks, sand or other items-some PVC cuttings are ok.
What do I do for filtration? Do I buy a HOB? Should I add a few pieces of my rubble from DT’s sump into the QT knowing if I have to medicate they are trash after? I’m guessing a Powerhead or 2 and maybe even an airstone?

Again-I think I have the basic principle of the QT tank but just verifying that I “need” it for this order and if my idea for setting one up is ok, also size recommendations (largest fish is the trigger at nearly 5”)

 

I am not sure but what your 55 wouldn't be a bad idea. LA and DD are different parts of the same business. DD is taken much better care of than LA product. The LA product is still very good and taken care of.

I would purchase a good HOB filter and throw away the filter material after QT is done. I have never QT'd a fish yet and have not had issues when buying from reputable dealers. I am rapping very hard on wood right now. I would also purchase a good sized bottle of Prime and get an ammonia test kit and use them both daily. I would also be prepared to change 25% of the water every couple of days also.

 

yea got all the test kits as my DT is a reef, gotta test that regularly. I have been lucky myself (knocking on wood also) without every using a DT, but i have also never purchased a fish over $100 before and the sargassum was 150!!! so i dont want to take any chances.

if i choose to not to use the 55g due to space etc, what size would you recommend for those 3 fish?

 

I have no idea to be honest. I would go with as large as I could afford financially and space wise. I am thinking a 29 at least again due to the size and number.

I think I have splinters from knocking on the wood.LOL.

Good luck and at take the advice you feel best fits that you receive today.

Congrats on the new purchases.

 

I personally QT all my fish no matter where it comes. I believe it is very wise to QT your order since tangs are more prone to ich than many other types of fish. QT has also saved my DT a few times unfortunately. With that said, I would probably use the 55 gallon since you already have it on hand. The 20 long may work being that the fish are still small, but you may consider "separating" them for a few weeks with some dividers in the tank to alleviate territorial issues.
As far as equipment, you just need a HOB filter, a heater, a simple cheap airstone or pump for oxygen circulation and some PVC for hiding.
Do you have any type of "sponge" or filter sock or something from your DT that you could put in the QT? I have a sponge that I keep in my DT and place it in the HOB filter for a pretty much insta cycle. You should also consider a seachem ammonia alert badge to alert you if any ammonia has accumulated.

 

Are all these fish from DD, or some from LA? If from DD, I'm not sure I'd worry about a QT as theres is pretty darn good
LiveAquaria.com Diver's Den® Quarantine Procedure for Fish

 

Good point after reading the OP's original post the trigger is from DD and the descriptions on the tangs read like LA. So I think putting the trigger in the DT would be good since it is a sensitive fish. Tangs to the QT.

 

That sounds like a great idea. I didn't realize their process was so extensive before i read it myself. I think i would feel confident putting the Trigger directly into the DT.

And if the Trigger is going directly into DT, then i could technically use a smaller tank for the Juvey Tangs, maybe a 20L instead of the huge 55 for 2 baby tangs? Maybe even a 10g would suffice or that's way to small, both tangs are about 2" each

Thoughts?

 

I'd stay as big as ya can, less stress on the fish, and less param swings.

 

Your tangs will be very stressed in the 10 gallon, dd is good i would put them all in the dt