zondebok

So, the QT setup will happen after the whole transfer process.  I will use my existing 55g as a temporary QT before I tear it down.  

 

I have an existing HOB skimmer on it, can I run some filter floss in the return chamber there for the time being so that when I move the rock out it has enough filtration to deal with the existing fish?  Also, if I do that, will my skimmer then be useless to anyone wanting to use on a reef tank, because of the copper?  I would ideally like to resell it, if possible.  (I have a couple of normal HOB filters (like you would use in a FW tank) out in the garage that I could transfer the floss to before I started medicating the tank).

As far as the QT - easy enough. Just a small set up with no rock/gravel. Just throw some PVC in there and make sure there is cycled media in the filter. Then Cupramine is a great choice. Ease up to .5 slowly over a few days and leave for the 14 days.

 

What kind of filtration?  Just a HOB filter of some sort?  Heater I presume?  Lighting aside form normal room lighting?  

 

Do you keep a QT tank up all the time, or just set up when you need one?

You could totally turn your current serup into a qt tank, just remember once it's had copper in it, it's done for. No more reef tank after that.

For the qt id go with a 20 long or a 40 breeder if you have space. It doesn't need to be big. Look at most fish stores, their holding tanks are rather small because the fish doesn't tend to spend much time in them.

 

 

The current tank has a crack in the top brace.  I have epoxied it and am not worried about it, but I won't be using it and don't really feel comfortable passing it on to someone else.

 

A 20 long seems doable in my office.   Thanks

It may not even be ich. I've seen a white dot on my hippos fin once and it was gone 2 days later, zero sign of anything else aside from that.

Is it a full blown ich cycle? Or are you just seeing the one spot? My Hippo got it on the same side that she hits up against the rock she sleeps in.

 

 

I mean, I'm not certain.  It was there about a week after I got him, went away, and is now back a month or so later.  He really doesn't seem bothered by it. 

 

The first time he had it he seemed somewhat irritated by it.  I had put in a couple peppermint shrimp to deal with a few small aptasia, and he would go over and try to get them to clean him constantly (though they wanted nothing to do with him).  Around that time I also got a cleaner shrimp, and he would present himself for cleaning, then swim away once the shrimp jumped onto him (he is a bit of a scaredycat), but a day or two later the white spot was gone.  I figured if it was ich it would come back, and it has.  

 

I know tangs are more likely to get this sort of thing...

My little tomini tang has a spot of ich on one of his fins. This is the 2nd time, same exact spot (I have read up on ich lifecycle).   He doesn't seem particularly bothered by it, and it doesn't seem to be spreading neither on him nor to any other fish.  I don't currently have a QT tank (I know... I plan to set one up...).  

 

So, on to my question.  I have an upgrade coming over the next couple of months, and I am wondering what the best way to transfer fish will be to ensure an ich-free new display tank.  I will be upgrading from my 55 to a new 135.  The 55 will be moved and kept operational while the 125 is cycling, and then I will transfer things over as makes sense.   Non-fish tankmates are a few shrimp, some snails, hermit crabs, a tiny ricordea, and a small toadstool.  

 

I am wondering if after transferring the non-fish (and maybe the rocks), if I can basically use my existing tank as a temporary QT tank for the fish, and do some combination of copper/hyposalinity.  

 

I am also interested in what size tank I need for a QT tank, and what other equipment I need.  

Wish I could have made it, but Sundays don't work for me. I will be there next time it's on Saturday!

These are the dimensions of the tank I have now as well and am quite pleased. I came from a 24 inch wide tank and was worried about the loss of depth but have been surprised by what you can do with some careful rock placement. Like you, the extra width was going to be a problem based on where we had to put it. Enjoy!

 

Good to hear!  The 13" width I have now is fairly limiting, so hopefully it will feel like a lot more

Nicely done lol...

 

I'd say it really depends on the tank dimensions and how you plan on viewing the tank, I went with just the front panel only tank because even at 30" front to back I rarely even look at my tank from the sides.

 

Who will you be having build your tank? What are the dimensions you're planning?

The tank is being built by a company in California that my LFS uses. He has several in his shop built by them that I've been able to see.

 

72x18x24

 

I wish I could go 24" wide, but it will be a lot better than the 13" I have now, and 24" would really push out into the space where the tank is.

 

 

 

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Trust me the Starphire is worth it!

 

Definitely want to keep the wife happy, especially when she figures out how much you'll actually be investing into the tank!

 

Well, apparently I made it  ugly enough the first time that it was her idea to do the upgrade...

 

I will see on the starphire.  Just the front?  I think it should be like a $150 upgrade...

If you're planning on a canopy I don't see any reason to buy custom if you can get something in a dimension that makes you happy. I would however recommend buying a tank that has Starphire or another type of low iron glass. That's money well spent!

Also, I am having a stand built anyhow, as top priority is making the wife happy with how it looks. ☺️

 

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If you're planning on a canopy I don't see any reason to buy custom if you can get something in a dimension that makes you happy. I would however recommend buying a tank that has Starphire or another type of low iron glass. That's money well spent!

I went to the LFS and looked at their tank that is starphire on one side and regular on the other... I wish I could tell, but I couldn't...

 

Tank was made by the same guys that would make mine...

 

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They built mine... While I love the look of my trimless tank it's a PITA to clean even with the water level lowered with the return off. You definitely have to be careful to not make a mess on the floor.

 

I would advise against getting a trimless tank if you're planning on a canopy, it'll be messy when you clean and I don't think it would be as safe for the added weight.

 

On a side note they've also had a couple tank failures in the last couple months... I'm not sure what's going on up there since Mike sold OBD and he's now building the tanks for Crystal Reef Aquatics.

 

While mine has been great for two years now, I don't think I'd buy another tank from them.

Wow, great post, thanks for taking the time. I think I'll go with a standard size custom built braced tank for half the cost, especially given the above information...

 

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Thanks.  I guess another question is how people like their rimless tanks?  I have heard maintenance can be more messy, and since I am going to have a canopy over it, it seems like I would lose any aesthetic benefit anyhow.

I am in the process of getting a quote from these guys, and want to know if those of you who have purchased from them are happy, and if you felt like it was worth the cost.  I intend to have this for a long time, so a higher initial cost is acceptable, if it is worthwhile.

 

Feel free to PM if you don't want to post here.

I have a 'whatever' that I'd like to sell. It's a 4 bulb t5 with a center MH and led moonlights. Let me find out measurements for you tomorrow morning and we can see if it's something you'd be interested in. Had it over my 75 gallon (same length as a standard 55) and it fit perfect. I didn't like how the center brace was right where the MH would shine so if you have a plastic center brace it might be an issue.

I definitely have a plastic center brace. I actually just picked up 2 ocean revive LEDs, so I'm good for now.

 

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Best bet is to keep a bunch of filter floss tucked away in your sump. 

 

...

 

I still don't have a sump, though...

I could probably do it if it was temporary.  I don't have a sump, so that's why I thought a piece of rock from the DT would be OK.  I suppose I could keep some sort of sponge inside the return chamber of my skimmer.  

 

Do people usually set them up as needed, or keep one up all the time?

So, my wife is pretty tolerant of the DT, but putting another tank in any of our main areas is not really feasible.  Would it be OK in the garage (fairly cold in winter, warmish in summer)?  I am OK with running additional heater, fans, whatever.  

 

Also, do you guys keep your QT tank filled all the time, or do you fill it and maybe put in some LR from your DT or something as needed?  I currently don't have one, and haven't had any issues yet, but I know it's probably just a matter of time...

 

 

Good choice! Lots of people here use them successfully and the vendor is local.

 

Are you running a sump? Skimmer?

 

I know the fans go out on them (and he said one of the fans is out, actually), but I contacted OR, and they gave me prices on replacement parts (super reasonable, BTW).

 

I do not have a sump. My stand doesn't have room for one, and my tank is tempered.  Originally this was going to be a FW tank, so I hadn't planned for it.  I won't make that mistake again.

 

I do have a HOB Reef Octopus skimmer (BH-2000, should be oversized, supposedly), and it works great, with some tweaking.

Well, I'm picking up some used ocean revives from a member here today. I figured it would cost less to try, and not hurt as much if I decide to try something else later. Excited to get into corals!

 

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Welcome..when you're ready for some coral just give a yell.. I'm starting to have to thin out some of my softies my tank is being over run with leathers, and so as...Lol making it a pain in the butt to clean my sand

 

Much appreciated.  I am actively looking for lights, but I tend to over-research everything, so who knows how long it will take me to pull the trigger...

Here is a pic from tonight, with the cardinals I added last night. A little cloudy/dirty since one of the new guys died and I had to move some rock to get to it.

 

Totally feel you there. If you go T5/MH make sure she doesnt see the electricity bill

 

My electricity bill just doubled due to my new tank. Oops.

Yeah, I think I've ruled out MH for now, haha.

 

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Welcome. Always happy to see people from the same town.

 

A couvie huh, Blue Z Reef? I kinda like that.

 

My preferred lighting is T5 with LED. I like LED only as well, because the flexibility and things you can do with them are exceptional.

I'd love to go with a hybrid setup, but I unfortunately do have to keep costs to a spouse approved level... [emoji1]

 

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It definitely helps to see other tanks to see what you like and then of course not all LEDs are equal either! We have a meeting coming up Jan 29 and you can see a really nice set up with LEDs

 

Here is the information:

 

http://www.pnwmas.org/topic/39515-january-2017-meeting-at-hollys/

Unfortunately Sundays don't work for me, but I hope I can make it next time there is one on Saturday.

 

 

 

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