QT tank question

DRC Archive General Saltwater Discussion
1

So not that I have any livestock yet that wasn’t a hitchhiker. But I do have a 10 gal tank we were going to use as a QT tank.

What equipment do I need ((A) really need or (B) would make life a whole lot easier or (C) nice to have)

Right now I have:

  1. the tank
  2. 25 W heater (currently sitting in bucket of saltwater, but next batch going to be mixed in bigger container and have bigger heater for it)
  3. Koralia 1 (also used for mixing salt water)

So I know I need a filter, lights, and aeration, but really have no idea of what is needed.

Thanks!

2

A simply HOB filter will be fine. If you will be QTing corals then you want to have at least a PC light (a Nova Extreme T5 would be better). Other then that I think you have everythig you need, you really don’t need a simmer ir additional power heads.

I would however reccomend looking in to at least a 20 long for a QT - you’re not going to be able to keep many fish in a 10g for long. A 20 will house most store bought fish for several weeks without too much stress or concern (on your part or the fishes).

3

[quote=“MiniMomma, post:1, topic:1109”]
So I know I need a filter, lights, and aeration, but really have no idea of what is needed.

Thanks![/quote]

Aeration and filter can be taken care of in one fell swoop - sponge filter and air pump. HOB works, too.

Lighting is where you might as well plan for the future. Will you be QT’ing coral? If so, then you’ll need something better that the standard AGA strip light. You might be able to get away with a shop-light with a hefty CF bulb, particulaly to start out. But, as Craig mentioned, the T5 would cover anything.

4

Hopefully will be QT coral at some point. I think I learned my lesson about QTing things, luckily the unknown was a friendly on the LR.

Right now just low light stuff as I have NO (am I the only one who reads this and thinks that I don’t have any lights instead of normal output flurescent) lights. But was talking to very talented (woodworking as hooby, used to be an electrician in the Navy, now mech engineer) hubby and mentioned we can probably save alot of money by building our own canopy (for 75 gal) and installing lights ourself. I would use a retrofit kit and get reflectors right?

He wants a full canopy (with ventalation of course) and I want better lights. hehe

Cool we got a geek smiley!!! :GEEK:

5

[quote=“MiniMomma, post:4, topic:1109”]
I would use a retrofit kit and get reflectors right?[/quote]

Yes … sorta.

Most retro kits include ballast(s), reflector(s), and wiring. Sometimes the bulb(s) are included, sometimes not.

6

Def the way to go, the best bang (light) for your $ and can look very nice IMO.

You’ll need ballast, end caps, standoffs, reflectors and bulbs. Icecap SLR makes some nice reflectors and are considered by most the best.

Just make sure it doesn’t turn out like my first ghetto hood! (still in use!)

ghettot5.jpg
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7

Now that’s talent :stuck_out_tongue:

8

[quote=“ronert, post:7, topic:1109”]
Now that’s talent :P[/quote]

That’s not talent - that’s what you get when you make a light hood out of toilet stolen from a boy scout camp.

9

I don’t think it goes with our decor.

10

[quote=“Cdangel0, post:8, topic:1109”]
That’s not talent - that’s what you get when you make a light hood out of toilet stolen from a boy scout camp.[/quote]

Takes talent to know where to mine for quality resources … :stuck_out_tongue:

11

I’d be really worried about the light and canopy (if you wanna call it that, haha) would fall into the tank. I’ve dropped my share of lights into tanks, not fun!

I have a 30b QT tank and I run a heater, NO T5 light, K2 powerhead and a seaclone skimmer. I think a simple cheap skimmer will be a great thing to have. It doesn’t do a great job as your main skimmer would on the display tank, but good enough for a QT tank.

12

I’ve made two canopies for 75 size tanks that look pretty good, and ventilate naturally enough to not need fans. perhaps i should drag one along to the next meeting and demo?

made from simple wood and plywood, and painted rustoleum white, inside and out for salt protection and reflection. they can be scaled in height to accomodate any type of lighting retros. MH lights need a bit more distance from the water. VHO and T5 can be lower. ballasts get mounted on the top back in a box to be out of sight but ventilated.