QT - can I ever use the system again

[morganatlanta]

If I use a tank, powerhead and filter in a QT system and dose with copper, can I ever use them again in a reef system? What would be the decontamination process?

So far I've only bought "pre-QT'ed" fish from local stores, but I've been thinking of doing some internet ordering, in which case I definitely need to set up a QT of my own. I've got some stuff around and could to put together a system, but if it will be forever dedicated to QT, I wouldn't use any good stuff.

 

[jennm]

Of course you can use it again. The whole hype about equipment being tainted "forever" is way overblown.

Jenn

 

[morganatlanta]

Good to hear that from an authoritative source. I'm assuming I just rinse the stuff out really well and let it dry out?

 

[budsreef]

There is a difference between a QT and a hospital tank. You can set up a QT for new fish or corals to observe them for 30 days or so to make sure they are healthy, free of any parasites, and that they are eating the foods you use in your display. If any of them get sick and depending on what is wrong, there are lots of treatments/medicines that are reef safe. I would stick to those for the QT and if you have something that needs treated with copper or other non-reef safe medicines or chemicals, use a hospital tank for the treatment, then move them back to the QT. A hospital tank can be as simple as a bucket lined with a trash bag and an airstone or small powerhead or as elaborate as you want it to be.

 

[jennm]

Yep, just wash the stuff off and don't sweat it. Replace filter media, of course, anything porous can retain some residual stuff but usually it's in amounts too minute to worry about.

Jenn

 

[racinrevo0818]

While on the topic of QT tanks.. I have a few questions about them. Ok I just bought one its a 10 gallon Marine land set up. It comes with a 50 watt heater, a bio wheel filter and some cheap led's for lights. So I have the bio wheel in my tank supposed to be growing bacteria on it correct? So I need ideas on set up there doesn't seem to be a great deal of information about qt. Whats the best way to start this setup? Half water out of my current tank and half new water? Do I need to cycle this tank without any fish in it? When adding coral to the tank how long should that I keep them in there? Since the light is no where close to what they need to be healthy? One more question how about up keep if I was to just keep this tank running just incase I get a sick fish in my dt. How do you keep the bacteria growing if there is nothing in the tank for extended periods of time?

 

[jennm]

http://imagine-ocean.com/node/58">http://imagine-ocean.com/node/58</a>

That's an article I wrote that should answer most of your questions.

 

[rdnelson]

I would just use water taken out of your display when you do a water change. Put that in the QT. If your biowheel has been in the sump or display tank long enough, it will be populated with the bacteria required and you will have no cycle on the QT tank. You could set it up in a matter of minutes. As for lighting and corals, a decent amount of light will keep them alive but not growing. But if you are only QTing the corals for a few days or a week it should be fine. If you want to QT the coral longer than lighting will be an issue.

 

[racinrevo0818]

Thanks for the link great article about qt systems. So fish at least 14 days to a month and coral you are basically looking for hitch hikers. Hopefully the coral dip gets rid of most of them.

 

[jennm]

If you find/treat problems, I'd leave them in a month after either the last symptom disappears or treatment ends - whichever comes last. Example - you see ich, do a 14-day treatment. The clock "starts" after the 14-day treatment ends, even if symptoms went away after a few days.

Don't be in a hurry - better to leave them in QT a bit longer, than rush it and regret it.

Jenn