Double QT tanks?

[Stang67]

I have a 29 gallon DT thats been fishless cycling w. ammonia and BB. Its just started with the nitrite so i am guessing cycle will be done by EOM (21 days)
In the meantime i am going to set up a small QT (5.5g) for a pair of clowns and maybe some other smallish peaceful fish i plan on purchasing (very small ones) once the cycle is finished.
Going to set up the QT with DT water once cycled and ready to "donate" some water.
I would like to keep the fish in QT for the full 76 recommended days.
In the meantime, since the DT will be done cycling i wanted to use that as a QT tank for my CUC (3 snails and maybe an urchin) and maybe a zoa or 2 (off plug and pre dipped).
Again want to keep the CUC and coral in by themselves for the 76 days.
Then at day 77, just add the fish to the DT and everyone should be fine? (in theory)
Understanding that i would have to feed the fish and CLOSELY monitor the ammonia due to it being such a small tank (i had it on hand).
I figured its my one opportunity for a "free" QT tank right? Plus these are likely the ONLY fish i will be adding to the tank.
Would the CUC/Corals produce enough waste to feed my Bacteria in the DT for the 76 days until i can add the fish?
Or would need to feed the CUC/zoa's from time to time? i am guessing i would but wanted to confirm.
I guess i am looking to get the best bang for the buck. I want to Quarantine due to all the horror stories i have read on this thread but with only 2-3 fish and NO INTENTION of getting more Do i really "need" to?
I am looking at maybe 50$ on fish.
I will keep the mini QT on hand for any addtl corals that will be added in the future as well.
TIA

 

[Billldg]

I will always recommending QT fish, especially this day and age when parasites in the hobby r so bad. You can use the DT water for the QT or use new saltwater and add some bacteria, biospera for example. When ever I setup a QT tank I just add some fresh saltwater at the salinity of the saltwater the fish came in and as I do water changes I raise the salinity over time to match the salinity of my DT. With such a small QT water changes and an ammonia badge is a necessity. With such a small QT ammonia will build up quickly. As far as adding a few frags and CUC to your DT, that may not be enough by itself to promote a good bacteria population, but by feeding your frags you should introduce enough waste for the bacteria to grow. You could feed your frags some reef roids or something 2 times a week, they will need it anyway with no waste being produced in the tank to naturally feed them. Good luck!

 

[Stang67]

I will always recommending QT fish, especially this day and age when parasites in the hobby r so bad. You can use the DT water for the QT or use new saltwater and add some bacteria, biospera for example. When ever I setup a QT tank I just add some fresh saltwater at the salinity of the saltwater the fish came in and as I do water changes I raise the salinity over time to match the salinity of my DT. With such a small QT water changes and an ammonia badge is a necessity. With such a small QT ammonia will build up quickly. As far as adding a few frags and CUC to your DT, that may not be enough by itself to promote a good bacteria population, but by feeding your frags you should introduce enough waste for the bacteria to grow. You could feed your frags some reef roids or something 2 times a week, they will need it anyway with no waste being produced in the tank to naturally feed them. Good luck!

Thank you so much. I thought it could be done but wanted to make certain. Everyone in this forum is amazing!

 

[sde1500]

What is your plan for while in QT. The 76 days is for a fallow period to kill ich, meaning no fish. Keeping fish just in a QT and observing for 76 days won't clear potential ich. Doing it for coral and inverts would though, as long as it is in a QT with no fish, or as you plan, the DT with no fish.

 

[Stang67]

What is your plan for while in QT. The 76 days is for a fallow period to kill ich, meaning no fish. Keeping fish just in a QT and observing for 76 days won't clear potential ich. Doing it for coral and inverts would though, as long as it is in a QT with no fish, or as you plan, the DT with no fish.

I am not a fan of treating unless I see something come up. Plus I am not going to be adding any additional fish in the future. The qt for the fish would be purely observation only.