Best Practice?

rtbell1771 · May 10, 2020

Back in the day, a bucket, fresh SW, a heater, and an air-stone was all that I did to keep fish temporarily (few days to a week) when I had a tank emergency or had to move a tank etc... so... I have an opportunity to get a tank set up that has a couple fish in it, but it's going to take me a little to get things set up and I don't want to hurt the fish. I have a week or so before this happens so I have some time to get things together, does anyone have thoughts of best practices? I'm sure the ideal thing is to have a small spare tank ready to go, but I'm getting back into this after 20+ years and don't have an inventory of stuff around, so I need to get some things, and my list above was what I was going to get. I don't want to just completely stress the fish out that they won't survive to make it once i get the tank set up and rolling. I would appreciate any toughts

Birddog61 · May 10, 2020

Any enclosure too small will stress fish some and or alot depending on the fish. A bucket can be fine for hearty fish and is out of the question for an idol. A tool needs to fit its intended purpose

rtbell1771 · May 10, 2020

Thanks. It has a flame angel and a cardinal in it. No idol thank goodness.

JasonK84 · May 10, 2020

rtbell1771 said:
Thanks. It has a flame angel and a cardinal in it. No idol thank goodness.

Get some media from the current tanks filter and set up a 10 or 20 gallon tank with a HOB filter and heater.

Once you have the tank all set up you can keep using it as a quarantine for new fish.

Tahoe61 · May 10, 2020

I would have some Prime and fresh sw on hand. If you can get a larger plastic tote that would help. Try to move some live rock over.
Need flow, O2, heat. Basic ammonia alert badge.

F i s h y · May 10, 2020

For temp housing something like a storage tote will work. As suggested above, need flow, O2, heat, and to be able to test ammonia. Fresh saltwater on hand for sure. Keep the activity around them down, and lights down... ambient light should be enough.