Live rock to replace HOB or Canister Filter?

[seth the wine guy]

The first thing I'm getting done prior to setting up my 120 Reef is getting a quarantine/hospital tank established. I just got a 37g cube for this purpose. Can I get away with just putting Live Rock in the tank as a bio-filter or will I need a HOB or canister? It's a nice looking tank so it will be out on display instead of being in the Supply Room. That means I will keep a couple fish in it full time to maintain the needs of the bio-filter.
The stand for this cube is too small for a sump. It could fit a canister but nothing bigger. I really don't want the unsightliness of a HOB or the cost of a canister. What do you guys think?

 

[brianjfinn]

For a QT, I think you'd do just fine with live rock. A canister filter wouldn't be bad, unless it'll filter out any medications you're putting in there. But as far as biological filtration, you ought to be fine with enough rock.

 

[mvm]

You're OK with rock, but I'd suggest using dry rock, as opposed to live rock in case you have to use meds that can kill off the critters and nuke the tank. Make sure you have adequate water movement to assist in biological filtration. Also, if you have a QT with fish on display, can you resist the urge to not turn it into another reef?:lol2:
I know I can't. For this reason, I use a 20 long with a sponge filter and some pvc pipe. Anther concern with fish permantly in QT is they can stress the new fish and be a host to disease. Almost defeats the purpose to some degree...

 

[seth the wine guy]

MvM;584171 wrote: Also, if you have a QT with fish on display, can you resist the urge to not turn it into another reef?:lol2:

Yes. I'm afraid of that already.

[/QUOTE] Anther concern with fish permantly in QT is they can stress the new fish and be a host to disease. Almost defeats the purpose to some degree...[/QUOTE]
What would you suggest doing to keep a constant ammonia/nitrate load for the live rock if no fish?

 

[mvm]

I keep the tank empty. I have sponges floating in my sump. Never put sponges used in the QT if chems are administered back in the display sump, obviously. Then, I fill the QT with display water and add the sponges to an in tank powerhead/filter. Keep it simple for QT.

 

[seth the wine guy]

MvM;584171 wrote: You're OK with rock, but I'd suggest using dry rock, as opposed to live rock in case you have to use meds that can kill off the critters and nuke the tank. Make sure you have adequate water movement to assist in biological filtration. Also, if you have a QT with fish on display, can you resist the urge to not turn it into another reef?:lol2:
I know I can't. For this reason, I use a 20 long with a sponge filter and some pvc pipe. Anther concern with fish permantly in QT is they can stress the new fish and be a host to disease. Almost defeats the purpose to some degree...

MvM;584181 wrote: I keep the tank empty. I have sponges floating in my sump. Never put sponges used in the QT if chems are administered back in the display sump, obviously. Then, I fill the QT with display water and add the sponges to an in tank powerhead/filter. Keep it simple for QT.

I guess I need to buy one more tank. (QT)
Here's what I picked up with QT in mind. http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=31804">http://www.atlantareefclub.org/forums/showthread.php?t=31804</a>
I just hate to hide this away without anything nice in it. Maybe use as a frag tank?

 

[mvm]

Yeah, that's a display, frag tank. No reason to use that as a QT. Buy a used 20 + gallon and keep it in a closet. For what it's worth, there are very few people here who QT corals as far as I know. A good dip in coral RX and an inspection for eggs/pest is adequate for most. If you want to, use it as a coral QT and keep a few fish in it.