nomoreink

I have a 10 gallon tank that I am thinking of using as a quarantine tank. However when I don't have any new fish do I just let it sit there with the filter running or should I keep a sponge filter in my main tank and just move it to the newly filled quarantine tank when I get some new fish?

I guess my question is should I start cycling that tank because I am going to keep it running continuously or should I get a sponge filter to put in my main tank to start building up bacteria in case I need to make a quarantine tank real quick?

Peterpiper

I would leave the Q tank running with the filter, heater and air stone.
Just add ammonia once a day, to a reading of 2.
On the first day, count how many drops you have put in the tank to get the ammonia up to 2, and add the same amount each day.
By doing this your Q tank will always be ready, just do a 50% water change before adding any fish ( and stop adding the ammonia ).
Plus you will have a spare cycled filter should something happen to the one in the main tank.

COBettaCouple

I keep extra filter sponges in all of our filters so I can quickly setup a tank.. so I'd say the best method is to run the q. tank with either a sponge filter or regular filter even when you need it as either a q.tank or a hospital tank. When it's not needed, the filter could be moved to a running tank until the q/h tank needed setup again.