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My QT set-up.

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by sblomgren, May 19, 2011.

  1. sblomgren

    sblomgren Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    I have decided that since I am ready to add live stock after my ich outbreak that killed around a thousand dollars worth of fish I am going to QT everything that goes into my tank on my own that way I know it is done and done right!!!
    So here's what I am thinking:
    55 gallon non drilled tank and stand.  (my display tank is 220 total gallons)
     - when I do my water changes I will take the water out of my sump and pump it into the qt tank and thus just constantly cycle water from sump to QT to drain
     - I will run a emeror 400 backpack filter with no media, just the spinning wheels to maintian healthy bacteria level. 
     - no substrate and some PVC hiding spots.  I actually might upgrade to some cool sunken ships or something. 
    Obviously I will use a heater.  and i can run that heater off my apex. 
    What would you all think of this system, also what would you run for chemicals and for what period of time? 
    Thanks,
    Sean
     
  2. mthomp

    mthomp Inactive User

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    only problem i see is the emp. the creep will block the holes of the spray bar and often times buildup on the axles of the wheels stopping them from spinning. IMO your better off adding some LR and a power head.
     
  3. sblomgren

    sblomgren Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    Yeah I know what you mean with the spray bar, I ran one for a while and just unplugged the holes whenever they plugged up. It was my understanding that once you use live rock with copper you can never use it again in a reef? is this correct? That wouldnt be a big deal I just would have to make sure I never messed up and moved something!!!!!
     
  4. ThyRaven

    ThyRaven Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    Need a 55g w/ stand? i have 2 I'm looking to get rid of. $125 for tank and stand.
     
  5. sblomgren

    sblomgren Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    Thanks for the offer but I have a 55 and stand.
     
  6. PotRoast

    PotRoast Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    I think you have a sound plan for the most part.

    I have a similar 55 gal QT setup. I use a Magnum filter. In the filter I don't use any media. But I do use the blue filter pad.

    One trick..... I leave it with no water until I need it. I soak a magnum blue filter (filter floss) in my sump at all times. When I go to setup the QT I use sump water and then use the soaked blue sponge in my magnum (which by this time is loaded with beneficial bacteria from being in my sump)


    In your case maybe you can soak the filter wheels in your sump and accomplish the same thing as my blue filter floss. Also I would consider running carbon in that tank. And also get a cheap water mover such as a Hydor Korallia.



     
  7. sblomgren

    sblomgren Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    Potroast, I have a cheap powerhead, actually not that cheap, SEIO! Is there a benefit in not keeping water in all the time? ALso what do you use for chemical? Or do you use nothing?
     
  8. Netofficer3710

    Netofficer3710 Inactive User

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    I have a damsel who is a perminate resident of my quarrantine tank. He keeps it cycled.
    my advise is if you are going to use the hob filter without a cartridge then you should pack it as full of bio media as possible.
    I run 2 hob filters on my quarrantine tank. 1 filter is packed with a bio sponge and api bio stars and the other runs like normal.
    I actually added a second damsel, a yellow tang, a flame angel, and a coral beauty a few weeks ago and the bacteria colony was sufficient.
    also keep a bottle of prime on hand at all times in case of an ammonia emergency.
     
  9. sblomgren

    sblomgren Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    NETO - Couple questions.

    Have you had trouble with the damsel being territorial? I thought one of the purposes of the QT was to introduce the fish to a stress free environment

    I wasn't aware you could house a flame andgel and a coral beauty together without a serious conflict of life? Are you seeing any aggression from either party?
     
  10. Bryan-1

    Bryan-1 Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    i have a flame angel and a coral beauty together in a 90 and have know problems with them.
     
  11. mthomp

    mthomp Inactive User

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    you should watch john coppolino video on anglefish in the video section
     
  12. sblomgren

    sblomgren Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    That's good to no /DesktopModules/ActiveForums/themes/_default//emoticons/wink.gif
     
  13. adampottebaum

    adampottebaum Experienced Reefkeeper

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    If you can keep it up and running, that would be your best bet. Another easy thing to do, like Jim does, have a sponge filter running in your sump at all times. Then you can put the sponge filter in your qt when you need it. If your keeping the 55 up and running, it would be best to have a fish or two in there to keep the bacteria up(plus their fun to look at). Maybe try switching over some mollies to saltwater? If you don't have rock to use, get some pvc or anything for the fish to hide in. As for medicine, copper is a sure way to beat it, other wise you can run the tank at hyposalinity(1.009). Are you trying to completely guarantee an ich free tank or just trying to adjust everything to an aquarium life?
     
  14. Netofficer3710

    Netofficer3710 Inactive User

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    The angels had issues with territory until I switched them to a new tank together with no established territories.
     
  15. AJ

    AJ Inactive User

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    I have a new QT setup in progress. It's a 30 gal tank with a 10 gal sump, small EuroReef skimmer, media reactor, etc. I like Jim's idea about the HOB filter sponge in sump. I'll probably do the same. My plan was to keep the hardware in place, but keep it drained when not in use.

    --AJ
     
  16. sblomgren

    sblomgren Well-Known ReefKeeper

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    It is not my intention to garuntee that I will never have ich. I am not going to put all of my fish through hypo salinity. I am just going to take a more careful approach to introduction. Seems to me like I can accomplish this by having a running tank to medicate and qt fish when needed and prior to addition to the display. I still have heard anyone comment. DO you run a chemical when you QT? IF so which ones and for how long etc...
     
  17. AJ

    AJ Inactive User

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    Seachem Cupramine is a good copper treatment that you can run in your QT for ich treatment.

    --AJ
     

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