Confused!

[msasa19]

right, i have a 20L tank with a filter that is fully cycled and have tested the water, i am getting a 90L on wednesday that is second hand so im not sure if the filter has been cleaned, so if i take the sponges out of my 20L and put them into my 90L filter can i then just test the water and move the fish? the tank is coming with 4 fish so i dont want them stuck in a small plastic tank for days!

 

[CezzaXV]

Yes, if you transfer all the media into the new filter then it will be cycled for the amount of fish you already have.

If you already have fish and you're getting four additional fish with the tank then keep an eye out for a mini-cycle and be prepared to do water changes if necessary.

If you've just come out of a fishless cycle then there shouldn't be anything to worry about, though do keep testing the water for the next week just to be safe.

 

[msasa19]

ok well my current tank has 3 fish, i dont actually know what the other fish are so i may not keep them if they arent suitable, assuming the filter hasnt been cleaned in the new tank i should be good to go? fill it up, test and put the fish in!

 

[CezzaXV]

I'd probably stick with the media you already have in your current filter and give the new filter a good cleanout (BEFORE adding the old media!)

The media in your current filter will be able to support the bioload from the three fish you already have, but if you do keep the fish that come with the new tank then your filter will need to play catch-up and you'll be in a fish-in cycle situation for a little bit. Luckily you're not starting from scratch, you're starting from an established bacterial colony so I'd be surprised if it was much more than a week or so before the bacteria multiply to catch up with the increased bioload. Test your water at least once a day and do a big water change (as much as you can do while keeping your fish underwater) if you detect any ammonia or nitrite.

 

[msasa19]

cool thanks!