Can I keep the QT empty?

[ET1]

Do I need to keep a fish in my quarantine tank to keep it cycled? I'd rather not but I want to keep it up and running in case I need it.

[Rbishop]

I would just run a sponge filter or a small HOB on another tank. When you need the QT, move it over to set up the QT.

[ET1]

So if I take the small aqua clear filter off the QT and keep it running on my main tank should I use the white bio rocks to maintain the bacteria, or is the sponge enough?

[Rbishop]

Both wouldn't hurt.

[Mgamer20o0]

the more the better. i would just run it on the other tank until its needed.

[mozart]

Are "bio rocks" gravel? I have used gravel in a tank (only 2 days without a filter) and I'm not sure if I should ditch it, continue to use it while I have a fish in there , or just clean it and save it for later?

[ET1]

Bio-max rocks are a filter media for Aqua Clear filters. They hold on to the good bacteria in your filter.

Keeping my QT filter running on my main tank when the QT is not in use is a very useful idea...thanks!

[chris331]

just fill your QT tank with some water from your main tank and get your filter nice and happy w/ bacteria.

i would only be careful with moving your filter back and forth from the tanks as you could possible contaminate your main tank if any problems arise in the QT tank.

[d_thomas_cg]

why not just throw some fish food in every now and then just to keep the bacteria happy? or maybe just a cluster of shrimp?

[fishcatch22]

I know some folks who just keep a ghost shrimp or two in their QT tank just to keep the bacteria alive and as an excuse to do maintainece until they need to use it.

[chicken2]

I've have a qt tank that contains only a few ferns in it and no fish. After a bad attack of itch I learnt the hard way the importance of keeping another small tank on the go. I dose with a small amount of plant food every couple of weeks and once a month I take out approx 10/15% of the water and refill with the water I have taken from the main tank.

The paremeters are spot on and haven't had any fish in it for over 8 months now. I recently bought 4 gold rams and they certainly were happy in there for a couple of weeks before going into the main tank.

[Star_Rider]

typically you can keep a extra sponge available.
you can also run a hob running on the main tank.
after the qt you should clean / sterilize the hob/filter media..then set it up on the main tank to re-establish bacteria.

I use sponge filters (air driven type) I just float the sponges in the sump of my main tank.

[amhodge]

Like chicken2, I plan to keep a planted tank that will double as a QT. Why not let your QT tank be a nice planted display tank? Keep a couple of hardy, low maintenance plants and you won't have to worry about maintaining the bacteria.

[MikenDanielle]

IM planning on just keeping a few fish that are compatible with my big tank in my QT tank henever I don't need the QT.

[sheloudre]

i bought a couple of white clouds that i can easily move into another tank, should i need my QT tank. This way, the QT tank gets cycled as well, and they can stay in it when it isn't needed.

[KnaveTO]

I was told that unless you keep feeding the bacteria they will eventually dissappear as there is no food source for them. Is this correct... and if so should you not keep at least something alive in there to keep it cycled?