How do you set up a hospital/quarantine fish tank?

Question

-What size should it be?

-What about the filter/air pump?

-What about cycling?

Answer 1

I use anywhere from 2.5 gallon to 10 gallon tanks - the size I use depends on the size and number of the fish. I don't use any gravel, just a heater (if needed) and a filter (also a tank cover). Obviously, this isn't cycled, but I do frequent water changes to keep ammonia down - it also removes any disease organisms killed by medication.

The less there is in the tank, the less cleaning I have to do if there is a disease outbreak. This also gives me a better view to examine the fish.

I get my tanks used, so this cuts my costs even more.

Answer 2

Can be any size, should be at least a couple of gallons... Can be a new bucket, or rubber-maid tote... Use an air-stone-powered sponge filter in there, hopefully seeded with bacteria from your old tank -just place it in the old tank and run it for a few days in there, and without drying it, place it in your quarantine tank... alternatively, you can seed the quarantine tank with a little gravel from the main tank, but many times if you are medicating the good filter bacteria will be getting killed anyway, so don't sweat cycling so much if you are using anti-bacterial meds. At least have an air-stone in there for current and surface agitation

Answer 3

What a good idea. Many people bring new fish home and dump them in the community tank without thinking. Most pet stores are good about selling only healthy fish, but I've seen home tanks wiped out from one sick fish.
I have a little 5 gallon with a filter, hood and heater. If you are treating a sick fish you may need to increase the heat and some med's are not good for all fish. You can also get nice little 2 gallon tanks with everything. They are made for Betta's and don't usually have heaters, but a light bulb can keep the heat up. My betta's have gooseneck desk lamps for heat part of the year. A filter and air pump are always good but you cannot use charcoal with most med's. For a sick fish I use an air stone, heater and minimal gravel. Remember you need to sterilize the tank and everything in it after the fish is well. For new fish, a few days in a normal mini tank will help you make sure you are not introducing desease or parasites into you community tank.
I don't know what kind of fish your have, but a pinch of sea salt seems to help keep the fish healthy. Check with your pet shop.
If you decontaminate a tank with clorine bleach, be sure you rinse well and add a clorine remover before reusing the tank.
Not sure what you mean about cycling.

Answer 4

O.k. you don't need all that fancy stuff you mentiuoned or believe me it will get costly' all you need is a few plastic bowls, Forget cycling get Fresh Start and be on your way.