Just setting up QT

[Marz]

So, I have decided with it being a rainy day, that I am going to finish scrubbing my 20g till it is clean clean clean - I haven't had much luck with finding a smaller one, but that's ok. Anyway, I know I need a heater and will move my Koralia over once my Jebao's arrive. I have read many QT setups, but had a question. I was thinking of keeping it running but don't plan on having ATO, etc. should I get a HOB sump or filter if I want to keep it running? I will be moving over some of my filter media so I can get it going.

 

[benzzz]

Just add RODI water when needed. Make a line on tank for reference. Should work.

 

[AdInfinitum]

I wouldn't keep it running.  Too much work for nothing while it is not occupied and you would have to feed it continually to keep the bacteria going and then do water changes to keep water quality good.. 

IMO if you want to be ready at all times, keep a hob or small canister filter with only rock rubble or ceramic rings in it running on your main system then when you need to use the QT, fill it up and flip the filter onto it and you have an instant bio-ready set up.

 

[Marz]

How small of a canister? That would better as easier to hide I would think in my small DT, is this correct. Could I keep an extra filter floss in the tank or would that end up being to problematic in my DT? Sorry for all the questions, but I hadn't thought of a canister.

 

[AdInfinitum]

Probably the smallest canister available would do for a 20gal QT.  Floss just traps detritus and clogs and needs to be changed or cleaned regularily. The rubble or rings will provide a home for the nitro bacter that you need to prevent ammonia build up in the QT while holding minimal detritus and requiring minimal attention.  If you use rock rubble it will also help buffer ph which is often a challenge to maintain in a bare QT tank.

In this case you are using the canister not to do any physical filtration, just as a place for active biological processing.

 

[Marz]

Got it. Thanks. I will look for a canister. I don't have any rubble, so will have to use rings I guess. Every step is a new learning curve

 

[Marz]

Would something like this work...

http://www.amazon.com/Aquarium-Rapids-Canister-hang-tank/dp/B000YJ0M1E

 

[AdInfinitum]

Ok...I didn't know that they made a canister that small and cheap...lol
I was thinking like a fluval 101 or 201.  Got to be lots on kijiji, I have had them thrown in with a bunch of tanks that I have bought,  I've mostly just given them away to FW friends...

 

[jeffopentax]

Would something like this work...

http://www.amazon.com/Aquarium-Rapids-Canister-hang-tank/dp/B000YJ0M1E

I had one identical to this, made by zoo-med, on a 25g cichlid tank.  Save your money.  Get a "real" canister.  My 2 cents

 

[Marz]

Thanks...sage advice.

 

[jeffopentax]

I have an eheim 2229 i could let go for $100, but brantford is a long way from orangeville!

 

[Marz]

Yes Brantford is . Also, right now 100 clams is a little more than I wanted to spend...but wicked offer - thanks - especially for that!