Cycle Question

[rarefish]

I have made the decision to go ahead and purchase a 75-gallon tank from my local pet-shop for my golden severums . If I transfer the gravel, water, and filter from my 29-gallon that is cycled(that currently houses my severums), will I still need to cycle the 75-gallon? Thanks ahead!

rarefish

 

[rdd1952]

In my experience, I have found that the gravel contains very little bacteria. I think most people still think the substrate has a lot of bacteria because in the old days of under-gravel filters there was a lot of bacteria there as all the water passed through the gravel. Now, most of your bacteria is in the filter with some on the tank walls, decorations and gravel. It certainly won't hurt to move the gravel though.

As for the water, don't waste your time with it unless it is just because you are moving the fish. There are no bacteria in the water column. The only reason to transfer the water is for the fish. You would be moving them into the same water they are already in so acclimation would not be a problem. All you would have to do is top off the tank. I would suggest doing a water change the day before you make the move just so the water you are moving is as clean as possible.

If possible, run both filters, the old one from the 29 gallon and the new filter/filters that you are getting for the 75 gallon together for 2 or 3 weeks. The bacteria in the old filter should indeed be enough that you don't need to cycle the tank and running them together for a while will allow the new filters to develop bacteria too.

I say new filters (plural) because, IMO, on a tank that size, it is better to run dual filters and heaters. You get better circulation and the water temperature stays more constant across the tank. Also, if for some reason one filter fails, there is still one running (same with the heaters). You might want to look into canister filters with inline heaters. They work great and it's one (or two) less things hanging inside the tank.

 

[rarefish]

Thanks . I'll look into an inline heater and canister filter, but right now the tank and hood is costing me ! I'm building a stand for it, and am trying to "recycle" as much aquarium stuff as I can from previous tanks into this one. But once I get back on my feet after this purchase, I'm definitely going to find some nice (and new ) filters, heaters, gravel, live plants, etc. And a question on the live plants- is Flourite substrate neccessary or better? If I do decide to use it, how do you vacuum it? I'm wanting to fully plant this tank. Also, does anyone have any cost-cutting tips? I'm going to need them !

rarefish

 

[rdd1952]

I've never used flourite. My understanding is that it is very good but you might want to ask in the Planted section. I think there are some issues with it clouding the water if not handled properly.