Okay here it goes. I've been searching and reading, and reading and searching, and I think I've worked myself into a circle!!
I'm in preparation to build a new DT (40 gallon, planning a 20 gallon sump with refuge). I'm hoping to get the DT tank cycling with some live rock.
I'm trying to figure out my timing with having the DT ready, and 1 or 2 QT fish ready. I'm stilling learning about the QT process, but I'm pretty sure new fish will be going to QT before the DT for a period of time with whatever steps necessary.
A lot of the threads I read about the QT talk about seeding it with a sponge or something from the DT. I'm trying to decide if I should have my DT set up for a period of time to have it cycling and take advantage of that process (no fish yet) or if it would be better to seed the QT with something else. Seems like it takes a while to seed a sponge or something from the DT and since this will be brand new, not sure that is the best way to go. All QT tank setup's seem to often assume you already have an established DT. So with a new DT, would it be better to just plan on seeding the QT with bacteria from a bottle?
When I have the DT set up and cycling, if I'm still in the process of quarantining fish, I think I understand that I will have to keep adding ammonia in some manner to keep the cycle going until I'm able to add livestock. Is that correct?
Please note, I am in no way in a hurry for any of this. I just want to keep learning and understanding and proceed accordingly.
Thanks for the help!
Kraig
I'm in preparation to build a new DT (40 gallon, planning a 20 gallon sump with refuge). I'm hoping to get the DT tank cycling with some live rock.
I'm trying to figure out my timing with having the DT ready, and 1 or 2 QT fish ready. I'm stilling learning about the QT process, but I'm pretty sure new fish will be going to QT before the DT for a period of time with whatever steps necessary.
A lot of the threads I read about the QT talk about seeding it with a sponge or something from the DT. I'm trying to decide if I should have my DT set up for a period of time to have it cycling and take advantage of that process (no fish yet) or if it would be better to seed the QT with something else. Seems like it takes a while to seed a sponge or something from the DT and since this will be brand new, not sure that is the best way to go. All QT tank setup's seem to often assume you already have an established DT. So with a new DT, would it be better to just plan on seeding the QT with bacteria from a bottle?
When I have the DT set up and cycling, if I'm still in the process of quarantining fish, I think I understand that I will have to keep adding ammonia in some manner to keep the cycle going until I'm able to add livestock. Is that correct?
Please note, I am in no way in a hurry for any of this. I just want to keep learning and understanding and proceed accordingly.
Thanks for the help!
Kraig