Can I Skip Cycling New Aquarium With Old Filter

[mariska]

Hi,
I'm moving my goldfish from a cramped 5 gallon tank to a new 10 gallon tank. I took some of the wood and rocks from the old tank and placed them in the new tank to seed the bacteria growth. But I was wondering if I simply move the old filter over to the new aquarium then I don't have to wait for the new aquarium to cycle and I can move Goldie over right away right? Or will this simply kill my bacteria in my old filter?
Also what is the least stressful way for me to move my goldfish. He only has to go about 6 inches from his old tank?
Thanks

 

[Tolak]

If you keep the filter media wet, you can move the fish & filter to the new tank. Your colony of nitrifying bacteria is large enough to sustain the bio load it has been, regardless of tank size.

It will help to prevent any problems if you fast the fish for 24 hours before the move, and feed lightly for the next week. I do this all the time with angel fry, starting in a 5 gallon, to a 29, to a 40, 55, or whatever I have available.

The 10 gallon is not much of an improvement over the 5 gallon, goldfish are pond fish, create a tremendous amount of waste, and will soon outgrow your 10 gallon. Seriously consider something in the 30+ gallon range soon.

Make sure the new tank is within a degree or two temperature wise, net the fish & move to the new tank.

 

[mariska]

I realize that he needs a much larger tank however right now I don't have anywhere to put a tank that size. Hopefully soon though. Thank you so much for the info.

 

[jourdy288]

What kind of filter is it?

 

[mariska]

its a basic marineland filter with activated carbon inserts.

 

[mariska]

I moved my goldfish over to his new tank today. Seems like he's doing well. He now has his old filter and his new filter on the tank (they're both the hang on back of tank kind). When I test the water what should I look for?

 

[OldMan47]

You should expect the tank to test good if you moved the whole filter over. It was maintaining the water good for your fish load and you have moved the filter with the fish load. That will be no detectable ammonia, no detectable nitrites and nitrates rising slowly until you do water changes.

 

[mariska]

1 week since tank switch and no detectable ammonia. However I got a reading of .25 nitrite. Also the water became cloudy the second day and hasn't changed. What's wrong?