Setting up a QT for marine ich

Discussion in 'New To The Hobby' started by Tavast, Dec 4, 2011.

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  1. Tavast

    Tavast Bristle Worm

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    Hello there, I am setting up my first QT and want to be sure I'm doing it right. I'm trying to get it ready as quickly as possible since my fish have crypt (aka saltwater ich). Yes, I know prevention would have been better. Unfortunately the tank is a joint effort and at this point in time my significant other has control of finances. He believed our LFS when they told us that if we get everything from the same store we don't need to Quarantine. So here we are...

    I'm using Pimafix temporarily until QT is ready in hopes of keeping things from getting any worse while the new tank cycles. Once it's ready I plan to use Hyposalinity in the QT and leave the DT fallow for 8 weeks. I've set up a 20 gal tank with a heater and a Penguin Powerfilter 150 by Marineland. My questions are listed below.

    1. Will this be enough filtration and airation, or do I need to add a bubbler or something?

    2. Can I use a small piece of live rock from my DT to seed the QT if I remove it before using any treatments? Will this speed the process?

    3. I was told I could safely take the salinity down to 1.014, but no lower or I may endanger the fish. Is this correct? How does this level translate for a refractometer? I have one on order but haven't used one before. ( I will have 2 Mandarins, 1 scooter blenny, 1 randal's goby and 1 blue-green chromis in there.)

    4. How long do I need to run the low salinity to kill the parasite without endangering the fish? (I read 2 weeks, but that doesn't seem long enough because of the life cycle of the organism.) They will be in there for at least 8 weeks, do I have to run it low this whole time? Is it enough to run it low for 4 weeks then gradually bring it back up to match the DT for the final 4 weeks?

    5. My 29 gal biocube only took about 2 weeks to cycle (according the LFS, they were testing for me then) Will this be about the same? How do I know when it's ready?

    6. If there is anything else I need to know (aside from testing params every other day and water changes every 2-3 days) please feel free to share. Your help is greatly appreciated by me and my little water babies:cheesy:
     
    Last edited: Dec 4, 2011
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  3. Corailline

    Corailline Super Moderator

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  4. dowtish

    dowtish Horrid Stonefish

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  5. Corailline

    Corailline Super Moderator

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  6. Tavast

    Tavast Bristle Worm

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    Thanks to both of you! :) There is A LOT to read here, but some really great info! Very much appreciated. Do either of you have any good links on how to tell when your new tank is cycled? I will most likely not wait that long to begin treatment, since the articles say it's more important to treat than to wait for cycling (is that spelled right?). But it would still be really great info to have. Thank you, again, for all your great info, and my fishies thank you too :) Fortunately I think I've caught it early enough that they will be ok.