Help me setup a QT tank

[Brah02]

I currently have spare, unused, 5G and 20G long tanks. I plan to use one or both for QT for my display tank when stocking new fish. I have a heater that will work, and I am trying to figure out the best setup for filter. Should I just buy a cheap HOB filter since it'll only be used a few weeks at a time, or do I get an expensive filter? Also, if I have a HOB filter, should I use an airstone as well or no? Is there anything else i'm overlooking?

 

[Uncle99]

HOB cheap is fine
Keep light dim

You’ll need a piece of seasoned rock or daily 10% water change to keep ammonia low

 

[Brah02]

HOB cheap is fine
Keep light dim

You’ll need a piece of seasoned rock or daily 10% water change to keep ammonia low

Would a piece or two of biocubes from my main tank suffice? I was thinking of just doing no light (just normal house light/daylight) instead of a dedicated fixture, is a light needed?

 

[TastesLikeChicken]

I do ambient light. Cheap HOB. Airstone is good too. If you are going to use medication don’t put rock in there.

 

[Uncle99]

Would a piece or two of biocubes from my main tank suffice? I was thinking of just doing no light (just normal house light/daylight) instead of a dedicated fixture, is a light needed?

Sure, any hard substrate will be fine.
Just keep an eye on ammonia.

 

[Kasrift]

I currently have spare, unused, 5G and 20G long tanks. I plan to use one or both for QT for my display tank when stocking new fish. I have a heater that will work, and I am trying to figure out the best setup for filter. Should I just buy a cheap HOB filter since it'll only be used a few weeks at a time, or do I get an expensive filter? Also, if I have a HOB filter, should I use an airstone as well or no? Is there anything else i'm overlooking?

I got a Tidal110 for my 20g long, it fits perfectly on the end. This made it easy to use some egg crate to cover the rest.

Heater, air stone, pipes, some media from your current tank, sand if you have a sand dweller in QT in a cup or removable Tupperware, and a small rock if you'd like to help the filtration.