What do mean with cycle it with sponge and filter media rather than setting it up the same day.
The nitrogen cycle, this way you won't be fighting ammonia in a bare quarentine. They sell bottled bacteria to speed it up.
Even if you treat the QT with copper, it won't kill all the bacteria, may put a dent in it but it will still provide some benefit to avoid ammonia poisoning.
A Beginner's Guide to Understanding the Nitrogen Cycle
You recently found out about “reefing”, probably through a reefer friend, and totally fell in love with the hobby. The next day, you visit your LFS (local fish store) and buy your own tank. You probably feel tempted to get some corals and saltwater fish on the same trip, but that’s actually a...
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