Build Series|Eps. 23| How To Set Up A Quarantine Tank

[@KreefAquariumhobby]

Great video again!! I have been happy a few times that I have a qt running. Also my qt have saved all my neighbours fish a few weeks ago.

[@ReeferGil]

That's so true K, glad to hear your neighbor was able to keep his fish safe.

[@joeymerrell8585]

I'm in the same step of my setup. About to start up my first reef. Your videos have helped me tremendously.

[@ReeferGil]

Hey Joey it really makes my day reading these type of posts. Thanks!

[@SCReefer]

The set up looks good. You just gave me a few ideas. Thanks Gil..

[@ReeferGil]

Awesome SC, thank you!

[@ScottM]

Awesome video Gil and definitely a great idea to it any new fish and coral.

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks Scott, I agree!

[@walterr.2619]

There are many videos on the QT setup but not much on maintenance. Even with water changes I have ammonia spikes nitrate and more

[@ReeferGil]

I'm actually in the process of making a maintenance video on the QT. Should be out in the next couple of weeks.

[@timothy_b03]

Im buying a reef system on craigslist. Im wondering if i should fill up a 29 gallon with his saltwater and put his fish in it until the main tank recycles. Should i do this or just plob em in the main tank as soon as its set up?

[@ReeferGil]

If you're making your own water, I'd acclimate the livestock to your water. If not, then i'd use his water for his livestock. You'll be fine either way.

[@OceanLife6977]

Great QT set up brother. Very meticulous, informative, and very well done. I have used copper before to cure sick specimens with rocks in the QT system, and have had successful results. The only thing I do not use for sure is the carbon from the HOB filter, as this for sure will absorb some of the medication. I just leave the mechanical part of the filter to grab all the garbage and debris.

[@ReeferGil]

I totally agree about the carbon. I took mine out and threw in some floss to grab the trash in the water. Thanks Ocean!

[@quartermilereefer8752]

awesome update I'm requesting a copperband butterfly in your reef tank and I'm sure you can make it happen.

[@ReeferGil]

LOL, thanks Rob, those are beauties.

[@ryanmonaghan8020]

Always learn so much from your videos thanks

[@ReeferGil]

Appreciate that comment, thank you.

[@budgetaquatics8506]

Great video but keep an eye for the JBJ ATO because those float switches can get stuck and not switch on the water pump

[@ReeferGil]

Oh really! Will do, thank you for the heads up.

[@michigancarp]

I'll be intrested to know what you look for when in quarantine, how long and if you plan on adding all your tangs at once, how would you quarantine with them kicking the crap out of each other or we going with different types?

[@ReeferGil]

Tangs would be in QT at least 6 weeks, unless like you said I had aggression issues. Placing three tanks in a 100 gallon is risky, let alone a 30 gallon. My HOPE is they will all be young and chill in a new environment. If they are beating each other, the ethical thing would be to the aggressive tang and return it. I don't know how my plans on paper will actually play out.

[@joeygreear7099]

Hi Gil. I’m looking to get into the hobby. Should I be looking to get a display and a QT tank also? I’ve kept cichlids for years w/o one on freshwater side but I want to make sure I start out right getting into salt water. Thanks and keep up the great videos. They are very helpful

[@ReeferGil]

Hey Joey, lots of people do not quarantine their fish, they just place them directly into the display tank after acclimation. There are arguments on both sides of whether to quarantine or not. I think its safe to say the general consensus is to quarantine new fish for at least one month.

[@captivebredcanada]

Great video. One thing that really surprised me is how many of the bigger youtube channels don't practice any kind of quarantine. Fish should be a no brainer and in an ideal world everything wet. I do think you should at least treat fish with praziopro since it's very easy on most species and flukes or other internal parasites are less likely to kill your fish in 30 or so days in qt where as velvet or ich should be noticeable by then. That being said I am a big fan of doing the tank transfer method for ich prevention since it's virtually harmless on all fish. One thing I want to point out, not to sound too picky since you are likely mentioning this for people with less experience but you can clean copper with vinegar. Obviously the rocks are done, but powerheads, heater, pumps even the tank itself can all be cleaned and used in a non copper environment again. My former hospital tank is now my frag tank (mostly out of necessity).

[@ReeferGil]

I'm actually surprised too, but like I said there are two differing opinions on using QT. I agree with you to QT all fish. Appreciate the detailed post too, thank you very much!

[@billyd6539]

great set up. i've had my 150 up and going for 3 months now. gonna use my 50 gal uni-aquarium for qt tank. wasn't sure if i should leave my live rock and bioball in but since its already established and running im gonna leave it as is. your vid's are very helpful thank for all you do. what tangs are you getting. i have a yellow in my 150 ive had for a year. also want to add 3 more to him. any thoughts on what would be safest

[@ReeferGil]

I definitely want a purple tang, close second a powder blue or powder brown. Any tang is risky, no guarantee you won't have issues. Thanks for the great post!

[@jpvapes9149]

why didn't you use pre made water Nutri sea water for that QT Tank could have cut down on cycle time and added fish right away ?

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks VP. I was not in a rush. The QT remains cycled today. Going to convert it into a softie tank. 👍

[@katehalle407]

Very informative!! Thanks!

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks Kate!

[@JAMcDonald1]

Excellent, thanks.

[@blackstar94370]

Hi,, but the cooper will the bacteria doesn’t matter roc or not ?

[@ReeferGil]

Opinions on this is all over the board. From what I can tell, it can kill beneficial bacteria if the water's pH is very low. Otherwise many have reported no ammonia spikes after using copper. I would frequently test ammonia with fish in the QT if you're using copper.

[@99ronmarsh]

great video brother... You have a lot going on huh?!?!? keeping ya busy. really miss my tank.

[@ReeferGil]

RON!!! How are you, yes. Super duper busy doing all these videos and getting them out in time. It's fun though. Really hope youre able to get another one going again.

[@Deon0026yickadee]

Great job

[@Deon0026yickadee]

6 years and never used you the man

[@ReeferGil]

Thanks Deon, I subbed

[@jamesdockery7806]

Does copper harm the beneficial bacteria population?

[@ReeferGil]

From my understanding it can, but shouldn't wipe them out. I honestly read a few threads on this and I'm still confused by a true answer.

[@Fishingbird1]

Squeeze the air out of the sponge filter under water then it will sink.

[@ReeferGil]

Well now you tell me 😛✌

[@Fishingbird1]

Well next time you will know. It comes from 45 yrs of being in the hobby... lol love your videos Gil keep it up!