Cycle Advice

[smyth19]

Hi,

I've just put together another fish tank last night, its about a 7 gallon tank. I've started it up with filling it about 1/2 to 3/4 from the water from my 23 gallon tank that i've had up and running for about 8 months and also i have transfered some stones from that 23 gallon tank also, plus on top of that i have live plants in the new tank!!

The question im asking is, i hear alot that if you use water from an up and running tank and stones etc it speeds up the cycle process, is there any truff in the matter??

most greatful, Joe!!!

 

[dunc_man_fishy]

yes it is true if you transfer stones etc form an established tank so long as it aint out the water too long there will be nice established bacteria only too happy to colonise the new tank. Dont know how true it is about water as the bacteria like a surface to stick to usually. Droppings of water from a filter sponge on the other hand would be good as it would be like liquid bacteria soup, similar to products like Cycle but the bacteria would be alive rather than in some suspended animation.

 

[smyth19]

Most greatful, dunc_man_fishy!!!

Just wanna make sure that the romours are true!!! cause im all for fishless cycling and never like to take a chance of killing any fish!!!

Thanx again,Joe

 

[semper fi]

don't know what you mean by stones. if you mean larger rocks will get more bacteria transfering gravel. can even bag it in a mesh bag and hang in the tank.

 

[smyth19]

Hi semper fi how ya doing?

A while ago i heard by transfering stones from a up and running tank e.g. 6months + it will help with the cycle process!! may not do much but will help a little bit!! .

 

[slagmi]

what you really want to transfer if at all possible is somewhat used filter media
that's where most of the "good" bacteria is found.

another approach is to run your new filter on your old tank alongside your established filter for 2 to 3 weeks

use either of those options and your new tank will be ready for a number of fish as soon as the water chemistry and temperature is stable.

some water and gravel will help not hurt but it won't completly do the job

 

[smyth19]

Yeah slagmi i used some of the media from the filter from my larger tank on the smaller one, which dunc_man_fishy suggested and it came out like a greeny soap.lol. which in turn made the new tank really dirty, but if it works its ok!!


Thanx slagmi

 

[dunc_man_fishy]

Sorry my colloquialisms are showing by stones I do mean gravel. Would definitely agree about running in parallel or swapping filter media. Forgot about swapping media as my tanks using different filter methods. I would still personally add neat ammonia for a week to make sure the bacteria is established, and test water conditions. would not want to risk the disappointment of losing new stock.