QT Tank - what do we need?

[lilrhody]

We went out earlier this week planning to pick up a basic 10g tank to use as a QT tank, but got distracted by a deal on a 36g corner which will sit where I thought we'd put the 10g. So, we still need a QT tank. What do we really need to get for this? Would a little 5g tank suffice? I have no idea where we'd put another tank, even a small 5g, but realize that we should have a QT tank on hand.

[OldMan47]

The size for a QT tank really depends on what you will put in it. If it will never be more than a couple of guppies, a 5.5 would be fine. I like to be free to bring home a half dozen angels and not worry about them too much for a few weeks in the tank. Even with frequent water changes, I would not try it in a tiny tank. The only reason even a 10 works is because it won't hurt them much in the long term to be a bit cramped for a short time.
Any QT tank ends up being a compromise between what you would really like to have your fish in and what you are willing to have empty between new fish purchases.

[msjinkzd]

when i was stocking my 36g corner, i used a 16g for a qt. a 10G would work fine as well.
I keept my qt tank in my basement or in my closet when I am not using it for qt, i just keep the filter running on the display tank. hope this helps, good luck.

[Rbishop]

Even a good sized Rubber Maid storage tub will suffice for a QT.

[leighasnana]

As msjinkzd said above, keep an extra filter running in your main tank and store the quarantine tank. You just fill it when you need it add the aged filter and your good to go.

[jm1212]

sponge filters work well for QT tanks. the tank itself should be bare-bottomed for easy maintinence, with only a few plastic plans and perhaps a broken terra cotta pot for a cave.

QT tanks can also double as hospital tanks.

[mozart]

Currently my 20G QT is holding fry and is good for observation, but I want to get a 10G for when I have a sick fish. When your paying for meds (dosed by the gallon) and doing lots of water changes a think a smaller tank will come in handy (I have small fish).