Canister Filter in a quarantine tank

[MikeyNYC]

I'm using an old fluval 303 on my 20g quarantine tank. The filter has three media compartments. What should I be using as media to create environment for bacteria growth?

I'm treating a fish with ick, using copper, so maintaining those levels are crucial. The ammonia is unbelievably high, and I've been changing out 20% of the water to try combat the problem. The ammonia level is off the chart, really green. The water changes are really throwing levels out of wack.

The tank was originally setup with water from my larger established tank. The quarantine tank is it's 4th week of operation. I plan on keeping the tank up for future use.

 

[MightyMike]

I've noticed no one has replied, so I'll at least take a stab for you here. I'd say some rubble would be the place to start and that I would be surprised if carbon would be a bad choice. Also, I'm scared when people talk about copper. Plain and simple, it scares me. That being said, I'd be super super super cautious with keeping that as a QT tank, as right now it sounds more like a hospital tank. They are distinct and it's important to understand the difference when keeping other animals in QT. I know, as I'm sure you do, that fluval makes all types of media for those canister filters: nuts & bolts, something that looks like grass? but i'd get more feedback from MR before stocking my canister. Hope this at least gets your gears turning. :smile: Also, good for a QT, not the canister, would be a piece or two of PVC to provide a "safe spot" for your sick and likely stressed ick-victim.

 

[MikeyNYC]

At the moment, I have the sponges and the ceramic things. I understand when treating with copper that using certain media, ie coral will absorb the copper making it harder to maintain the proper levels. The ammonia levels have been out of control, so I'm guessing that my bacteria levels aren't high enough to keep levels in check.

As far a shelter goes, I have some egg-crate setup to provide artificial caves/hiding spots. I painted the bottom and back glass black also.