Cycling?

[redbetta]

Ok,
So I have a few tanks of fish and I'm thinking about moving them. It wouldn't be into anything much bigger but possibly double the size. Can I just take that gravel where it has the bacteria in it, and add new stuff on top? Would that be enough so I can put them right in? Or how long do I wait? They also have live plants in their tanks.
Thanks

 

[xxSarahxx]

Not sure this should be posted in the Betta section!!
Try Chit Chat. PM a mod to move it for you.

 

[redbetta]

Ok, can anyone help me now?

 

[fish_keeper2]

that would work. also use the filter media and some decor from the established tanks. then you have to add some fish to keep the bacteria alive. i would add 2-3 fish every other day or so to make sure the bacteria can hadlle it.

 

[jolaf]

You can add the gravel directly into the filter box on the sponge if you have that type or add the old gravel in the bottom of your tank then add the new substrate on top of it. I think you should wait a day or two before introducing the fish tho so you have time to check the water levels

Ok,
So I have a few tanks of fish and I'm thinking about moving them. It wouldn't be into anything much bigger but possibly double the size. Can I just take that gravel where it has the bacteria in it, and add new stuff on top? Would that be enough so I can put them right in? Or how long do I wait? They also have live plants in their tanks.
Thanks

[snapback]886163[/snapback]​

 

[rdd1952]

You will be better off using the filter media form one of your established tanks. Gravel has bacteria in it but not nearly as much as the filter. The grave will definitely speed the cycling process but you won't be instantly cycled by adding it. If you do move everything over though (filter, decorations, gravel) you will definitely be able to move all the current fish over without any major problems. You may experience a small mini cycle but not much. Just make sure everything stays wet during the move. Once things dry out, the bacteria die off rapidly.

 

[Tolak]

In theory you should be able to put the same substrate, decorations, & filter on a larger tank with the same fish added immediately. You will lose some of the bacteria on the tank walls, but if you aren't heavily stocked it shouldn't impact the cycling. Keep the substrate, media, & decos wet, & keep an eye on ammo & nitrites for a few days.

The nitrobacters in the established tank are handling the fish load now, the tank is basically just a container.

Tolak

 

[redbetta]

Here's the thing, I have danios and dwarf frogs, they don't have a filter. They basically just live in bottled water that I change lots. I'm assuming if I leave the new tank sit for a while the fish would be ok to go in.