Cycling A Tank

[dc3]

Hi Everyone
I have a 75g that I am in the process of cleaning (got it from a mate who had sand in it) and was wondering how long do I need to keep it running before I can get fish in it. I am going to be sticking on a Fluval 304 and an Aquaclear 70 - both of which have been running for several months on other tanks. I am going to be transfering in about 15 juvie angels in there and don't really want to risk anything... Is there anything I should be checking for? Thanks
DC

 

[rdd1952]

Read the pinned topic on Fishless Cycling in my signature.

 

[dc3]

Read the pinned topic on Fishless Cycling in my signature.

I actually just read your sticky I guess what I mean to say is that do I have enough bacteria in my bio media coming from cycled tanks that I don't have to do a cycle in this one?

 

[rdd1952]

You would have bacteria present on the other filters but maybe not enough for a full load of fish. Since you are planning on angels, I would suggest doing a fishless cycle which should only take a few days since the bacteria are already present. The colony may just need to multiply a couple times (usually doubles in 15 to 30 hours depending on temp and pH). Most people say angels are delicate and need a mature tank. I added 4 angels to my 75 gallon 2 weeks after I finished a fishless cycle. that was 2 years ago and they are still thriving. never had any problems at all but that may be the exception rather than the norm.

 

[dc3]

The Aquaclear is coming off the tank the angels are in right now. I tend to run double filters on all my tanks - not sure if that's the best idea, but I am kinda paranoid about water being clean as possible. These angels went in as fry into a freshly cycled tank too - but I do a 15% water change every day - and they're growing nicely too.
I will be doing a fish-free cycle starting this evening... hopefully all goes well

 

[rdd1952]

You should be fine then. I prefer to run double filters and heaters on my 75 gallon too. You just get so much better circulation and a more even temp. Good luck.

 

[dc3]

Thanks for bringing up that point (water circulation)... Do you run filters on either side of the tank (the short sides) or on the back?

 

[rdd1952]

I'm using 2 Fluval 304s, one on each end. Actually the intakes are on the back about half way between the end and the center on either side and the outlets are on the ends angled toward the front middle.

 

[dc3]

Oh cool Fluval I got two too, but need one to drive the 45g below as there's not enough clearance for a HOB...

Any recomendations for customizing the media?

Thanks a mil

DC

 

[rdd1952]

I only used the sponges and ceramic rings, not the carbon. I don't run carbon in any of my filters. I also bought a jar of the Matrix Bio-Max and put in the, mainly to use for seeding other tanks if I get any more.

 

[dc3]

I'm not a fan of carbon to be honest... I got ammonia remover in some of the baskets - I am thinking of putting in finer filter sponge in some... Or do you reckon the 4 coarse sponges are ok?

Gonna have to look up Matrix Bio Max

 

[rdd1952]

I'm just running the sponges that came with it (coarse ones). No problems in 2 years.