Should I leave QT Tank free of decor?

After having my 55 gallon and 5 gallon tanks both come down with Ich I have decided to start setting up a QT tank for when I introduce new fish.

I know that a QT tank needs a filter, heater, and aerator.

What I am curious to know is is it best to leave the tank empty of decorations and gravel so I can see the fish more clearly or should I be putting in decorations so they can hide and feel more comfortable?

I can see both sides of the coin here. No decorations means I can constantly see the fish all the time, no trying to find them, and if they get sick I can catch it right away. On the other hand, no hiding places may stress the fish out even more and cause it to become sick.

What is everyone's experience with setting up a QT tank and what do you personally think works best?

 

I leave QT tanks barebottom. It's easier to clean that way.

 

I leave QT tanks barebottom. It's easier to clean that way.

All my tanks are bare bottom, so no worries with that!

 

Leave quarantine tank bare bottom but have some simple decorations for them to hide in to reduce stress. PVC pipes are really good for that. You can place the PVC pipes in such a way that you can easily find your fish even if they are inside.

 

When you do water change from your 55 gallon take some of the water from that and put it into the QT so you don't have to wait for a cycle. Just maybe 2-5 gallons worth and than the rest clean water.

Also you can stick the QT filter into your current filter. For instance I have a HOB filter and I just place the filter in there and when I need it just put it ito the QT filter and skip the cycle. I belive this is called "seeding".

So when your done with that tank and dump the water just throw it in there.

 

Personally, my quarantine tank looks just like any other tank (mostly because that's what it used to be, and what it will be once I'm done quarantining fish in it). I have cave made out of rocks for them to hide in, and open areas to swim around in. So far I haven't had a problem with not being able to see them. It may seem opposite at first, but the more hiding places you have, the more fish feel comfortable, and the less they feel a need to hide.


Edit: Unfortunately, there is no beneficial bacteria in water, it all lives on surfaces and in your filter media. So taking water from another tank won't help it cycle. There is no benefit do doing so; the nitrates may be high, and trace minerals may be depleted. Fresh water is always best for fish. As long as the parameters such as temperature and pH are similar, of course.

 

I would order a sponge filter and place it in your 55 gallon tank to get it seeded so when the time comes to set up your QT you already have a seeded filter.

You can do minimal decorating..bare bottom, some pots, floating plants.

 

Thanks everyone! Think I am going to go with bare bottom and maybe two terra cotta pots.

 

You can always get decorations from your main tank too and put in your QT as well.