Converting freshwater tank to marine QT

sssnake · 01-07-2006, 04:11 AM

I have a 20 gal freshwater tank which I'm thinking of shutting down so I can use it as my saltwater quarantine tank. Worthy of mentioning is that presently I am treating this fresh tank for ich with drops called "Quick Cure" from Aquarium Products. This "quick cure" can be used for both fresh & saltwater fish.

The freshwater tank is being filtered by a Penguin 150 bio-wheel filter.
In view of the above can I use this tank (with the filter) as my QT and how do I go about setting it up from scratch? Do I need to "sterilize" it and if so, how?

I cannot buy any more tanks for the house due to lack of space so it's either this conversion or bust!

Michaelr5 · 01-07-2006, 07:10 AM

Aquarium Products website indicates that QuickCure is not for use in the presence of inverts. But unless you are planning on quarantining inverts, you should not need take any drastic actions. If it were me, I would 'sterilize' the tank by simply filling it with hot water from the tap and let it set for at least 1/2 hour, the rinse well a couple of times. Do the same with the filter (if you can disassemble the filter, dump all except the energizer and the bio-wheel in the tank while you are doing it). Replacing the bio-wheel is the best way to make sure nothing is left in it. Now you are ready to go. No sand or anything in the QT. I do use a couple of flowerpots on their sides to give the patient a hiding place.

Mike

sssnake · 01-07-2006, 12:26 PM

Thanks Mike.

Sounds easy enough. I can replace the bio-wheel with a fresh new one, no problem. Excuse my ignorance but what's the energizer?

Also, is this type of filtration (bio-wheel) OK for a salt water tank?

Thanks again.

Michaelr5 · 01-07-2006, 12:34 PM

It will do fine for a quarantine tank, where you are not looking for long term bioload maintenance.

The energizer is the piece that snaps onto the bottom of the filter that the impeller magnet goes into. (the power cord disappears into it) Some people call it the motor. You don't want to get that wet.

sssnake · 01-07-2006, 01:00 PM

Thanks a million.

sssnake · 01-14-2006, 06:37 AM

In setting up a QT does one take water from the fully cycled main tank and pour into the QT?

Michaelr5 · 01-14-2006, 07:02 AM

IMO if you are due for a water change in the main tank anyway, why not. Otherwise freshly made up water is fine. Remember in a QT tank you are probably going to be doing small regular water changes/replenishment on a daily basis anyway. E.G. if you are treating for ICH vaccuuming the bottom daily to remove dropped parasites.

Mike