I currently have an 18 gallon tall tank as my quarantine tank as well as a heater,powerhead and bio-wheel filter.

Should I assemble my tank and tear it down only when I am going to use it or should I always keep it running?

Everything I have seen has suggested I use it only when necessary and make sure I have a well cultured sponge which is rinsed in hot water after I tear down the QT tank before replacing it in my sump for keeping between uses. This sounds a little risky. I am sure there is a better way to get the tank enivroment up quickly.

My question to the forum is:
What are the steps I should take when quarantining a specimen? Not only from the standpoing of treating the specimens but, also the setup of the quarantine tank. What should be added to the water and how long should the quarantine last. I am sure there are different rules for corals,inverts,and fish.