hospital tank

[Pointy_kitty]

for starters i'll update you on my fish problems:

my tanks are all pretty much balanced and healthy now (except one fish)
there have been a few minor mishaps with internal parasited and stress from a bully but i have treated both tanks and they are both beautiful and healthy
*knock on wood*

i have treated my betta for fin rot and it is almost completely gone (he is in his own bowl for now)

my only problem fish is my dwarf gourami who seems to have an ulcer

i don't have enough money or room for a proper hospital tank so i am treating the entire gourami tank and that seems to be doing well.

my question is....
in the future if i have a single sick fish,
would a one gallon aquarium with a mini heater and air pump (with no filter) work for a hospital tank??
or should i save up for a ten gallon set

 

[Pointy_kitty]

anyone?

 

[CMC]

Me personally I would use at least a 5 or 10 gallon for a hospital tank.

 

[crazie.eddie]

If the gourami is less than an inch, then a 1 gallon should work. Otherwise, 2.5, 5, or 10 gallon at the most.

FYI, I just found from an LFS it's more expensive to purchase a 2.5 or 5 gallon tank. This LFS sells tanks practically at wholesale costs. So they sell their 10 gallon tanks at $10 (USD). So if you're looking for a tank, shop around. Most LFSs sell their tanks at their costs or very little markup, becuase they makeup the difference in fish, even accessories and equipment.

 

[Inchworm]

Hi Pointy_kitty

Actually, crazie.eddie is right about the cost of a 10 gallon tank being the same or less than a smaller one. I've found the same thing.

Since a 10 gallon is often marked as a beginners tank, you might be able to pick up a kit that usually includes everything except a heater. I've seen them for less than $30. Don't worry if it comes with a box filter and air pump; they are good things to have. If you have, or might get corys, however, you will need to be sure that it has fine gravel and not pebbles for the bottom.

When you're not using it as a hospital tank, you can use it as a fry tank or a breeding tank, so it wouldn't need to sit around taking up space. (as if it would! )

 

[Pointy_kitty]

thanx guys and gals!
i guess i'll wait and get another 10gallon