Waterhome tank question

[purple_drazi]

Anybody heard of/use these aquariums? I'm looking for something small that I can use as a quarantine/hospital tank and saw a 5g Waterhome at my lps.
I've got an eclipse and I like it because it's pretty much fool proof and since I'm a beginner that's me! The eclipse comes with a flourescent lamp (I've learned here that the wattage is kinda minimal it's ok for my needs), bio wheel and spongy filter thing. The Waterhome comes with a flourescent lamp that's got twice the wattage of the eclipse and a filter but no bio wheel. Does it matter? I'm leaning to getting another eclipse but I wanted to hear what people with more experience had to say first.

 

[FishDan]

Bio-wheels are nice, but are by no means are they required. If you just need a hospital tank, buying an Eclipse is probably a little overkill IMO. It is probably much cheaper to buy a small tank, filter, heater, and you can even use a desk lamp for lighting. Generally I guess my thinking is that an Eclipse is good for a show tank, while a hospital tank can look a little less "put together". I have never used the tank you mentioned, but I am sure it would be just fine for a hospital tank.

\Dan

 

[purple_drazi]

I went to the lfs and the clerk was actually very good! Not wanting to sell me more than I need he suggested a basic cheap tank, filter & heater. I realised that what I want is more of a small display tank that can double as a hospital/quarantine tank in a pinch. I don't have anywhere out of the way to set up a tank, we're really pressed for space, and since it's going to be set up in the livingroom I still need it to look nice.

 

[FishDan]

The only problem I see with using an established tank as a hospital tank "in a pinch" is that if the tank houses sick fish, the best (IMO, only) way of removing the disease is by breaking down the tank and cleaning everything. Otherwise you run the risk of infecting any fish that you put in there. My personal feeling about hospital tanks is that they only be setup when they are needed, and cleaned thoroughly after each use. I do understand though how it is rough when space is tight. And having a tank sitting around not being used is especially difficult!

\Dan

 

[purple_drazi]

My personal feeling about hospital tanks is that they only be setup when they are needed, and cleaned thoroughly after each use.

But don't the fish have to be put into a tank that has been cycled? and if you have a sick fish, there isn't going to be time to cycle the tank.. so you have to always have one ready don't you?

oh! I think I just got it... the quarantine/hospital tank doesn't need to be cycled because you can do more frequent water changes for the 3 wks or so that you need it and the ammonia etc. won't have the chance to build up. You just use prepared, aged water, put the meds in if any, put the fish in and away you go, is that it?

forgive me for being a dumfus, I'm a total beginner at this.
bettas sure are a lot easier.

 

[clutterydrawer]

nah you jsut keep some spare filter media in an established tank then put that in the hospital tank's filter when necessary

 

[FishDan]

What clutterydrawer suggested is the best solution, though if you do regular (ie; daily at least) water changes you can do it your way as well. Don't bother with the "aged water", as it really doesn't make any difference. Fresh, dechlorinated water is the best bet, as "aged" water doesn't have anything beneficial for the fish in it (the bacteria do not live in the water column, but on the surfaces under the water). That being said, you can also temporarily move a plant or other decoration from your established tank to the quarantine tank, just make sure you wash it thoroughly after having it in with a sick fish.

\Dan

 

[purple_drazi]

wow! that's easier than I thought! thank you so much!

I'll buy the basic tank not a fancy display one then - what size do you recommend for a quarantine/hospital tank?

 

[robbrouse]

I'll buy the basic tank not a fancy display one then - what size do you recommend for a quarantine/hospital tank?

It all depends on what size fish you have. For small fish like sword tails, guppys and the likes a small 5 or 10 gallon tank would work nicely. i've seen it done with a 1.5 gallon tank.

It all matter on the size of your fish.

Robb