Isolation/Breeding Tank

[js]

Not sure if this is the correct area to post this question.

I just need someone to explain how these tanks work are there different types? I have a couple of platties which suddenly get extremely swollen bellies, but the next day they are the same size again, so I think they must have had babies over night, but they would all get gobbled up in my tank. Could I get one of those Isolation tanks, put the patty in there and hope in the morning there are babies?

Could I also use the same tank if I had a sick fish, to put the treatment in that little amount of water and not the rest of my tank (approx 200ltr). They say they float? Is this correct. I have a glass tank with glass lids, so not sure about clipping them on, as some others also suggest.

Hope this isn't a stupid question, but I would like to know how they work before I buy one. Trying to avoid needing to set up another tank, when I don't really have any room.

[Caryl]

It varies from person to person. When I need to isolate a fish I use one of those plastic Critter Keepers. They float well and I don't need to clip them down as they jam up under the lid and don't go far. If you have a small glass tank then set it up separately. The advantage of a floating container is you do not need another heater.

The same tank can be used for both an isolation tank and breeding tank, although not at the same time of course. You would also have to clean it very well after treating sick fish in it.

Others set up a small tank as required, using water from the main tank. It helps to run a small internal filter in your main tank so it is always there to use in another tank if required. Once finished with in a treatment tank the filter needs to be sterilised before putting back in the main tank.

[js]

Thanks Caryl, that's a good idea about the internal filter.