QT tank

[Brandona86]

I’m wanting to set up a QT tank. If I use water to fill the tank from my display, and the new tank being bare bottom does it still need to cycle. I’m thinking not because there would only be pvc and glass in there. Thanks in advance

 

[Quietman]

Yes it still needs to cycle. Ammonia and Nitrite are still toxic and need to be managed. You could do water changes to manage or get media for those, but it's much easier to cycle and it's one less thing you have to worry about.

I seed with pond matrix from my display sump I keep there just for that purpose.

If not, the surfaces of the glass/pvc will provide enough surface area for bacteria to manage Ammonia and Nitrite for small load.

 

[krbnsol]

as usual it all depends. If you are going to keep this tank up and running for a short time to just get thru a set time period --- then no need to cycle. you will have to do water changes to the QT to keep ammonia down.

If you are looking to keep the QT up and running full time --- kind of a hospital tank / just in case --- then after the the initial usage you may want to think about forcing it thru a cycle. lots of reading / planning to do if you are going this route.

 

[scott11106]

id must cycle. but if you add water or sponge from main display and some quick cycle additive it will be ready in 24hrs or so

 

[Brandona86]

Thanks for the quick replies!!