Bought Larger Tank - Much Larger - Should I Cycle It?

[jaarus]

My current tank (a 5 gallon hex) was looking a bit dirty.........it turns out my filter had just packed up and died.

Chewie (my betta) and the "2 fellas" (two small cory cats) were looking none too pleased with me.
So off I went to get a replacement filter.



I ended up leaving with a Juwel Rio 125 !! (plus a replacement filter....to keep em happy in the mean time!)



So - I have set up the tank downstairs all looking good. Before I start my fishless cycle (as done previously - and HIGHLY recommended btw)
...as I only have 3 small fish currently - do I really need to cycle the tank or can i add them now and just SLOWLY add new fish over the next few months?

I cant imagine these 3 small fish could produce enough ammonia if they tried to send the tank into chaos.
But always best to ask!

 

[diademhill]

You could clone the tanks.
Is it all running & temperature stable?
Catch & bag the fish. Take 10% of the water out of the 125.
Take all the substrate from the old tank & put it into a pair of tights - knot the ends & lay along the bottom of the new tank. Put the filter form the hex in the Juwel. Rinse the hex out with tankwater & put this water in the 125 - put all the decor from the hex in the 125.
Basically everything from the hex goes in the 125.

Float the fish & acclamate then release them - keep the lights off.
The cycle should be avoided but the tank will only support these three fish & you'll have to wait a few weeks between additions remembering you can only add up to half the existing biomass at each introduction.
Good luck.

Sue

 

[Shelly_Otterkin]

I have cloned a couple of tanks and if you do as the poster above me says it should go well.

 

[jaarus]

great - many thanks - I will give it a try...now just gotta pinch some of my fiances tights

hahaha

 

[Neal]

Good luck with that, I'm sure she wont be too pleased. Treat her to a nice dinner, she might think about it...

 

[emma12321]

Hi,

You can just spread the old gravel on top of the new, unless your going for a different type which won't go with the old. Saves hunting out the tights.

Emma