Best Way Cycling On 2nd Tank?

[lilacamy931]

Hello all - currerntly have a 15gallon with 4 dwarf puffers in it. The tank had been running for 2 weeks with seachem stability and was partially cycled but not fully and unfortunately could not wait to get the dwarves due to circumstances. Have had the 4 a week today, with daily water changes and believe mostly cycled now as readings are 0 consistently.

Am in the process of getting a 5 gallon next week, and will need to cycle for a betta which we will be getting in August. The first tank I ended up adding Tetra Safestart to keep it going for fear of them dying. What is the best way now to cycle the second tank. One of the dwarves I may end up separating due to his aggression I was wondering whether to keep him in the tank once cycled to keep the tank gonig till the new arrival.

Do I run the small filter for the tank in the main tank for a couple of weeks or put some of the sponge from the established filter into the new filter? Many thanks

 

[bagu]

your idea sounds great mate

you could separate the puffer, but then you cant keep the fella with the betta ^^, try adding mroe plants and stuff to the puffer tank?

but putting the new filter in the main tank sounds a very good idea

 

[lilacamy931]

It would only be a temporary measure for the little guy as the corner tank is my partners present, but I will fingers crossed be able to get pufferman his own little tank by next pay day. (we have one tank with dwarf and a larger one awaiting SAPs and already getting multi tank syndrome!). The tank is quite well planted and will be adding a little more when comes in the post, this along with introduction of snails next week may help them get along. To be honest I have only seen one mini fight this morning but wish to be prepared for the worst.


I will probably go with running the filter in the tank then, any ideas on length of time to keep it in there and how long to run in the new tank to fully cycle?

Many thanks!

 

[lilacamy931]

Just a followup, the time for cycling the second tank fishless hopefully this time is almost upon me. When receive, will place the filter in my puffer tank to allow the filter to get some beneficial bacteria to cycle. How long should I leave running in this tank before placing in the its designated tank? Leave it in there and add in when have the fish ready to add, or run for a week and then place in the desingated and feed the filter with some fish food?

Definately have multiple tank syndrome... Have a 160 litre empty which is the one I am setting up for my birthday (empty for time being and this was going to be it).

Ended up getting a free tank which now have 4 dwarf puffers in.

Partner wants a male betta so we now have his birthday present almost ready to go and start cycling in August.

I have won a further 38 litre tank, just in case for the bad male puffer but as they seem fine may end up getting guppies.

And happened to bid on another cheap tank for snail breeding, though now getting pond snails much hardier, may get more fish for this one.

Then there are hopefully snails in the plastic critter carrier!

I have a problem!

 

[lilacamy931]

BUMP anyone?