Changing Tank Qs

[andyw823]

My new 290L will be arriving next week! With not having enough space to run 2 tanks, cycling the new one is going to be very hard.... is it possable to put the filter media from the old tank into the new one with say 70% of the water add the fish then the rest of the original water. This would fill the new tank just under half way so adding fresh water would be like doing a 50% change! Can anyone see any danger with this process?

Thanks.

 

[andywg]

I wouldn't bother with the old water if you can help it. All you are really doing is introducing nitrates to the new tank as the water holds a very small percentage of the filter bacteria. Most will be in the filter with a small layer on all surfaces in the aquarium.

So long as the tap water is the same pH as the old water, and you heat the new tank to the same temp, you can take the fish straight out of one tank and put them in the new one. Placing all the filter media from the old tank into the new one would instantly cycle the new tank for the bioload contained in the old tank.

This process is generally referred to as cloning.

 

[Torrean]

seeding=putting in enough bacteria to start a cycle

cloning= putting in enough bacteria to fully stock the tank.

I believe that's correct. So if the first tank is smaller it is seeding. If your only adding the fish that were in the smaller tank then it is essentially the same as cloning. I hate symantics. I can't even spell them. But it's good to know what word means what in what instance.

Andy's right though. You shouldn't have any problems as long as your PH and TEMP are at least very close. You may want to acclimate the fish anyway. (float the bag and add a bit of water at a time)

 

[andyw823]

Thanks for the info guys, its took the pressure off the situation