Does a QT need fish?

[maksim serebro]

Hi, I am trying to set up a QT tank without overflow, without sump or skimmer. Just some live rock, heater and lights. To keep nutrients down, I would prefer to have no fish. Do I need some fish for nutrient production? Will corals lighten up without fish? Thanks. The QT is mostly for SPS corals.

 

[TheEngineer]

I'd go without the rock in there. If you have to medicate anything the rock will soak it up. You can use bio balls for the bacteria. You can feed the tank small bits of food to provide nutrients for the bacteria.

 

[4FordFamily]

It needs a source of ammonia. Fish food can work fine

 

[maksim serebro]

I'd go without the rock in there. If you have to medicate anything the rock will soak it up. You can use bio balls for the bacteria. You can feed the tank small bits of food to provide nutrients for the bacteria.

If I don't have a sump, where would I place bio balls? I don't want them to be floating around in the tank. Thanks

 

[TheEngineer]

If I don't have a sump, where would I place bio balls? I don't want them to be floating around in the tank. Thanks

For my setup I use one of the old school HOB filters. I put the balls in there.

 

[maksim serebro]

That could work. Thanks

 

[Humblefish]

If this is going to be strictly a coral QT, you actually don't want fish in there. The tomont stage of ich can encyst to any hard surface (stony corals are ideal) for up to 72 days. Just throw a pinch of flake or pellets in there every few days to maintain bacteria levels.