How should I seed my QT tank?

[Hallowhead]

I have to break down my current QT due to loss of fish and I need to reseed it ASAP for new fish coming in.

What's the best way to SEED it?

 

[Amboss72]

Can’t you just add a few pieces of established live rock?

 

[nden]

Bio-spira has always worked well for me.

 

[Hallowhead]

Bio-spira has always worked well for me.

what do you keep in the QT for the bacteria to cling to?

Can’t you just add a few pieces of established live rock?

I would than have to throw the live rock out as I am using copper

 

[nden]

what do you keep in the QT for the bacteria to cling to?

Two sponge filters and hob with another sponge and seachem matrix.

 

[EmdeReef]

Bacteria will colonize almost any hard surface.

PVC pipes for fish to hide and your tank’s glass is enough for most tanks. If you don’t mind throwing a small piece of LR, can use that too.

 

[Hallowhead]

Two sponge filters and hob with another sponge and seachem matrix.

so you just keep sponge in your sump ? and replace when you break out for QT?

Can you link me to sponge.

 

[Dom]

I would suggest getting the QT set up and then ordering your fish.

 

[Hallowhead]

I would suggest getting the QT set up and then ordering your fish.

The tank was setup and will be setup again tomorrow.

 

[AiKkz]

Sponge filter with bio spira

 

[melanotaenia]

I always have a supply of Aqua Clear sponges on hand, they are cheap and can be used to keep in sump to colonize bacteria to use for new setup tanks, QT, etc.

 

[Dom]

The tank was setup and will be setup again tomorrow.

Oh... I see it now... fish are en route...

Using sponges is an interesting idea, although, not a hard surface.

It gets me to thinking about some sponges I saw today at the auto parts store. It was in the isle with cleaning items. For lack of a better description, it looked like spongy live rock. It was very porous and looked to have a lot of surface area, although, it may require being anchored down.

 

[nden]

so you just keep sponge in your sump ? and replace when you break out for QT?

Can you link me to sponge.

Cut to size:


Edit: Something wonky goes on when I put Amazon link. Search for Filter Bio-Sponge 11.8"x4.7"x2.36" Media Block Foam pads Biochemical Sponge bio on Amazon.

Edit 2: Looks like my adblock hides the Amazon link preview.

 

[Hallowhead]

Cut to size:


Edit: Something wonky goes on when I put Amazon link. Search for Filter Bio-Sponge 11.8"x4.7"x2.36" Media Block Foam pads Biochemical Sponge bio on Amazon.

How much of that would you use for a 10 gallon tank?

 

[nden]

How much of that would you use for a 10 gallon tank?

Are you placing it in a hob? It needs to have water running through it to be effective. Won't do so well if it was just sitting in the tank.

 

[Hallowhead]

Are you placing it in a hob? It needs to have water running through it to be effective. Won't do so well if it was just sitting in the tank.

I guess enough to fit in a aqua clear 10 gallon

 

[nden]

I guess enough to fit in a aqua clear 10 gallon

You could buy the precut aquaclear sponge. Or if you're cutting your own, just take out the media basket and measure length and width. Height can be however much space you want it to take.

 

[Hallowhead]

how long does it need to remain in your sump before using it to seed your QT?

 

[Hallowhead]

Purchased these to replace my current sump foam. I will just keep one in at all times and remove as needed.

Amazon Foam

 

[rkpetersen]

Bio-Spira is popular but the fastest seed bacteria is refrigerated Fritz Turbo Start 900.