QT time is usually recommended for 2-6 weeks, 4 being the most popular time. I know it is hard to spend $30-70 for a coral or fish and not be able to put it right in your tank, but in the long run its the best for your wallet and tank.
I'm not trying to pick on anybody here, just the topic has presented itself. And some statements are concerning to me. QT tanks are the cheapest piece of equipment you can buy for your tank.... and the most useful.
10 gallon tank (appropriate for most fish.... and really any food grade tub container will do as long as you are able to maintain water quality. But a clear walled container will allow you to visualize the fish better.
Airline tubing
Air pump
test kits which you should have anyway for the display tank (pH, salinity, temp, ammonia.)
Heater
Shelter or item of comfort. PVC fitting for cave... PVC tubing for seahorse hitches (depending on their size)
That's pretty cheap.
I understand having to save up for a new lighting system but it's not essential like a a QT tank is.
I wouldn't put in a QT tank anything that you can't throw away or sterilize.
Like I said, I'm not planning on buying anything new for the tank anyway. I'll set up a QT before adding any new livestock, but it won't be for a while.
Update on my tang: lights went out about 15 minutes ago, and almost instantly he had the brown bruise-like marks. Seems like he's just fine, otherwise. He's settling in where he usually sleeps. I never read anything about tangs changing color like that. I know my damsels do the same basic thing, only their entire bodies change color, not just isolated spots.
And QT tank converts easily to a hospital tank if the fish becomes sick and/or needs treatment. It's why I recommend a 10 gallon QT tank when it's size appropriate because most meds are easily dosed in this size tank.
I suggest 30 days of QT after the fish shows no sign of disease and is eating readily. If you need to treat for ich or some other disease, start the 30 day counter when the fish is disease free.
To me, the second best thing about having a QT tank is to give your new fish time to learn to adapt to tank life without being pestered by other fish. Going from the ocean to an aquarium is a major change, as is the foods we are trying to get our new arrival to eat. Of course, the number one reason for QT is to protect all your other livestock.
d-ster: you bet! Using water from your main tank for QT water changes is a great idea. I do it all the time. Not only does it keep your QT water in check, but it forces you to make lots of small water changes to your main tank. The other benefit is that when your ready to transfer the new fish to the main tank, you can just move him right on in (assuming the temps are the same).
For those not using a QT tank, I understand the objections. It took me years until I finally "saw the light". It's a shame that more LFS don't insist, or even encourage, the set up of a QT tank. They probably think that the added cost will turn customers away. To that I say - it won't turn away as many customers as a complete tank wipe out will. So pop on down to the LFS and purchase that cheap 10 gallon starter kit they promote (about $30 - $40 at my LFS). You'll be happy you did.
reef keeper - I am not aware of anyone breeding yellow tangs, or any tang for that matter. They are so abundent in nature that I am sure it is wild caught.
So since you don't have to cycle or do anything with a QT, theres no real reason to set it up until you actually have something new that needs to be in there, right?
I will start doing that though, and soon. I just need to somehow find space in my room for yet another tank...
Renee is correct. The time to use a QT is from the beginning. Even when you add your first fish to your brand new (but cycled) tank, you may be introducing ich or any other number of diseases, even if this first fish shows no signs of disease.
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