"Cycle Tank"

[robadk1]

I've recently aquired two new tanks, a 5 and a ten gallon. I am going to use the 10 for platy, partially for breeding and learning about livebearer's breading. The 5 I was considering setting it up very simply, Gravel, HOB Filter, a couple plastic plants and plain "caves." And then cycling that tank, and simply keeping it cycled, while using it to learn about cycling water, and aquarium water principals. I put the structures in so that I could have the tank in case of emergencies in my other up and running tanks (29 gallon, and the 10.) Emergencies such as diseases and things.
How does this sound?

[mellowvision]

a quarantine tank is always good to have. 5 gallons might be a bit too small, depending on your stock... but something is better than nothing!

[Nolapete]

You can just keep an extra filter running on your main tank and move it to your QT tank when you need it. The QT tank should be a bare tank anyway and in my opinion completely cleaned after each QT session. The filter soaked in tap water and thoroughly cleaned before returning it to the main tank for recolonization with bacteria.

[Mgamer20o0]

You can just keep an extra filter running on your main tank and move it to your QT tank when you need it. The QT tank should be a bare tank anyway and in my opinion completely cleaned after each QT session. The filter soaked in tap water and thoroughly cleaned before returning it to the main tank for recolonization with bacteria.

thats what i do. its a pain to have a extra tank set up 24/7 in case anything happens.

[robadk1]

Well, the main reason I want it, is to learn more about water chemistry. Things like that, also, I think I'm going to use it for some Platy Fry. I would like to learn about Basic breeding, Livebearing.

[NeonJulie]

I know for me personally, running extra filters on my tank wasn't enough to generate bacteria elsewhere I could use for a QT. I kind of do what you're thinking of... I have a plastic bin with everything I don't want any more, old plants, rocks, filters, and a bubbler and I just keep it stocked a couple times a week with my pure liquid ammonia. It's nice to know it's there if I ever need it again, but it's nice to know too I have it around for my friends when they decide to make a tank.

[zazz]

I think that as you set up and run the 10 gallon for your livebearers you will learn about the nitrogen cycle and water testing etc. Have you decided how you are going to prepare the 10 g for fish? IOW how you will cycle it?
I agree that having a Q tank /fry tank ready is a good idea, however you decide to deal with the cycling of it. A tank w/o gravel, and with a sponge filter would serve that purpose really well.

[robadk1]

Well for my 10, I was going to set it up like any decorated tank. Gravel, UGF, HOB filters(probably just HOB) A few plants and a few "Caves" 15-25 gallon heater.

I plan on going through the Nitrogen Cycle before adding the platty. This isn't exactly the thread for this, but what do you think is a comfortable level of platy for a tank like that?