Trying to understand QT tank

I have been researching and have seen a lot of the QT tanks are very basic set up. This includes tank, heater, pump/powerhead (aeration), barebottom, HOB filter, ATO. The livestock should will be about 4 weeks or so.

My question is, isn't this set up basically a "not recommended" saltwater setup? where you're actually using HOB and without skimmer hence nitrate will go crazy?

Thanks

 

Using a HOB in saltwater isn't a bad thing, and not having a skimmer isn't necessarily bad either. As long as the tank is cycled, there really shouldn't be any problems in terms of nitrates. Still, you need to do water changes to keep nitrates down, but I mean, if a person wanted to, they could even have something as simple as a bare bottom tank with just a HOB and carbon for a display tank!

 

During QT or hospital treatment you will be monitoring water quality and the condition of the inhabitants closely. You could likely be adding medications or treatments and many kill bacteria in filters or make skimmers go crazy so they don't work well. You basically want a clean sterile environment to observe behaviour and look for pests or diseases which you then treat.

You will also tear the QT down after use and sterilize everything in the tank for its next use. I throw the sponge filter insert away and install a new one so I lessen the chance of transferring anything bad.

 

I would also add a piece of PVC pipe or some place for the fish to hide to make them feel more secure. If you check out my zetlight vid (#23) you can see my QT tank and my little cardinal fish. I don't think you need the ATO if you have a tight fitting lid (recommended)

 

Thanks for the input Eclipse. Well, I had a tank with HOB, and didn't do too well ;D

Thanks for the input, but I understand what's the purpose of the QT. I just see a lot of basic set up that I thought it would not work.

Thanks Zoo. I saw your video. It's awesome.

 

I think their point is that your QT wont be an established aquarium, more of an as needed type affair. While in use nitrates are controlled through water changes. Basic setups make it easier to observe new arrivals and if necessary administer medications. The theory is to remove variables until you can pinpoint any problems.