questions about QT

I know that a QT doesn't have to be previously established to be usable. It's a set up and go kinda deal. What I'd like to know is if it's feasible to use a 29 gal for 4-6 weeks with 3 or 4 small fish in it? The tank I'd like to use has a full hood with built in pump/filtration (for all that's worth). Would I be good to go with a heater, some pvc and a small PH? Also, How much of a WC would you recommend and how often?

 

Also, if I don't have a sponge filter in my current DT seeding, will there be trouble?

 

trying this again... bump.

 

Hi, Ashleigh-

A) A 29g would be fine for a QT; however, there are 2 problems with housing 3 or 4 fish.

1) Biolaod. With zero chemical filtration and little to no bio-filter, you need to keep the bioload as minimal as possible. Otherwise, you may end up changing too much water for meds to be effective.

2) Diseases. If, for example, you have 3 healthy fish and one has a fast-spreading, hard-to-detect disease like Brooklynella, you may end up losing all of them. That's exactly what happened to me.

B) You'll be fine with just a small powerhead and a piece or two of pvc.

C) The preseeded sponge is only a minimal bio-filter which will become ineffective if you use meds. Otherwise, it may reduce water changes but is not an absolute necessity.

D) Water changes will be determined by your ammonia/nitrite/nitrate levels. You'll want to keep WCs at a minimum, but you will need to check levels daily and change water as needed.

Hope this helps.

 

Hi. I think I could be of some help to you. I have done a LOT of qt myself. #1...a qt is a place for your fish to rest and not be disturbed. Place it in a low traffic area. Be sure to keep the lights low if you are going to use lights. I usually dont and instead use the lights in the room or set a light alongside the tank. #2 I have a 20 long and 29 for QT. They will work fine for most fish. Some of your bigger fish may not be as happy though. #3 I stongly recomend you use a seeded sponge filter. I DO NOT believe a powerhead will serve a sick fish well. You dont want any current. Just let the bubbler take care of that for you. Remember sick fish want to rest like you or I would. Mr. Bill Im afraid I disagree with you on the bioload filtration of a spnoge filter. I have QT many fish with nothing more than a sponge and bubbler with absolutley no problems. NO water changes necessary except for maybe a once weekly small water change. #4 If you have nothing to keep your water in check (ie seeded sponge filter etc) then you will have to watch your water levels VERY closely. Daily if not twice a day testing will be required. Remember you absolutley want the least amount of stress possible on these fish. #5 if you plan to use a copper medication your standard amonia test will not register correctly. You will need a special test to check it properly. #6 Yes use pvc and a heater. #7 I agree with Mr. Bill that you could infect healthy fish with a disease that only one is carrying, however, it is my experience that if you bought these fish all from the same place and 1 is showing signs of parasites or disease then most likely the other fish have it as well but are not yet showing signs of it. If possible you could set up two tank and keep the sick fish alone for now. But I believe the others will begin showing signs of illness soon. Hope this helps.

 

It did help very much. Thank you both! I unfortunately only have 2 of them left and 1 may be on his way out. Crossing my fingers... Well see. I did not medicate b/c I didn't know what was wrong, they were just acting very strange for a few days. Thx again!