Setting a quarantine tank...

[rhitee93]

I'm still patiently waiting for my custom 120g tank to show up for my office. In the meantime I have been contemplating the quarantine issue. I think I'd like to setup a small tank (also in the office) for this purpose. It seems like the next year or two will see a lot of traffic into my display tank, so now would be the time to set one up, and I can always pass it on to someone down the road when I no longer regularly need it.

I'm looking at some of the Innovative Marine AIO tanks, and it is tempting to pop on one of those as a QT. I could easily fit something as big as the 25 gallon on my desk, but that starts to be a lot of additional maintenance. However, I keep hearing that 10 gallons is too small to allow some fish to relax. What would make a good size? They have a couple of options in the 14-15 gallon range.

I know that is like asking "What is the best car?" so for some background - My DT will end up as a mixed reef with some softies and LPS for corals. Fish will probably be largely utilitarian, although, as I have waited for the tank, I have gotten awfully tempted by the thought of a dwarf lionfish. I'm returning to the hobby after 20 years, and am quite distractible.

 

[jmichaelh7]

Get a 40 gallon breeder , or 50 gallon you will be fine.

I dont understand why you would want a IM AIO tank for quarantine setup

 

[lynn.reef.nerd]

I'm assuming you are talking about a fish QT.

I would not use an AIO. Something simple like a 10 or 20 gal from Petco works very well. You want something that can be clean easily and wipe down surfaces without compartments getting in the way.

I also say 10/20 because they are easy to handle and move. I do water changes and wipe down almost every other day, so something I can pick up easily is a must.

 

[jmichaelh7]

With a 20 gallon your going to run into issues with Tangs being held in there or crowd issues unless you QT a few fish at a time? It's time consuming.. That's why i said 40g minimum

 

[rhitee93]

I dont understand why you would want a IM AIO tank for quarantine setup

The AIO was just to make it a compact and tidy setup that didn't look out of place in an office.

Something as large as a 40 would have to go to my home, but I'm only 10 minutes away from the office, so I could always QT at home and bring them to the office when ready.

I would not use an AIO. Something simple like a 10 or 20 gal from Petco works very well. You want something that can be clean easily and wipe down surfaces without compartments getting in the way.

I hadn't considered the issue of wiping out all the chambers in the back. Good point...

 

[jmichaelh7]

The AIO was just to make it a compact and tidy setup that didn't look out of place in an office.

Something as large as a 40 would have to go to my home, but I'm only 10 minutes away from the office, so I could always QT at home and bring them to the office when ready.


I hadn't considered the issue of wiping out all the chambers in the back. Good point...

Really consider the length of quarantine. If you can possibly buy a big batch of Fish and quarantine . then when your ready set up again and quarantine another big batch of fish. I'd personally do it this way rather than 3-5 fish now , then right after another 3-5 fish , then another 3-5 fish... your going to feel like your qt all year long.

I set up my qt in my garage on a rack. It's not ideal during the summer though

 

[lynn.reef.nerd]

Really consider the length of quarantine. If you can possibly buy a big batch of Fish and quarantine . then when your ready set up again and quarantine another big batch of fish. I'd personally do it this way rather than 3-5 fish now , then right after another 3-5 fish , then another 3-5 fish... your going to feel like your qt all year long.

I set up my qt in my garage on a rack. It's not ideal during the summer though

It depends on what fish you are looking to stock. Rarely do LFS / wholesaler have all types of fish at one time. they come in batches.
I actually prefer smaller batches (done both). But it really depends on the person. I don't mind continuously doing QT as long as it is manageable and I can source the right fish.

 

[rhitee93]

I don't see myself objecting to always having some fish in QT for a year or so, but then again I've never done it. I may be singing a different tune after a while.