Fish-In Cycle Complete!

[Clammie]

It's been 4 or 5 days now since I stopped doing any water changes and everything is spot on prefect! (Thanks to a lot of people on the forum! )

Just a few more questions, though.

I'm moving the fish to a new, bigger tank tomorrow with filter and all.
Should I take half the water from the old tank when I more them all over?
Will a small 1 inch air stone provide enough oxygen? Are air bubbles just for show?
Would agitating the surface provide more oxygen? How much surface agitation will be needed to oxygenate 80 litres?
I'd like to add more fish to the bigger tank, how often should I do this? How many fish can be added at one time?

 

[justjon]

I always point my filter outlet slightly up to move the water around carefully, aswell as this I have a 5" (ish) airstone onto a pump.

For 80L, i'm guessing a 1inch airstone would be adequate.

I've just moved over my stock to a new tank, I moved as much water as I could then just topped up, I also moved all my old filter sponges across aswell.

 

[Clammie]

Thanks for the fast reply and info.
I have a 5 inch airstone but need a bigger pump, could probably get one tomorrow if I find out I need it.

Any advice on how often and how many fish could be added at one time?

 

[justjon]

What fish are in your current setup that you are moving?

I'd go by what i'm doing currently, move your current stock then wait atleast 3-4 weeks before adding anymore. Let it all settle down, patience is key.

 

[Clammie]

There are 3 zebra danios, 2 glowlight tetras and 2 cherry barbs.
There was more but I lost some during the cycle.

 

[justjon]

I moved mine to a bucket with original tank water, stuck a heater in whilst I moved the remaining water over, don't forget when moving the filter media to keep it soaked in remaining tank water also if you can, will help the bacteria stay put.

Add all the water, filter, gravel etc, then put fish in last.

 

[Clammie]

It's all set up downstairs with sand and ornaments, all I'd need to do is transfer the fish over to the tank tank along with the whole filter, heater, water and air pump/stone.
It shouldn't take too long, I don't think. Maybe 15 minutes at most.
The media in the filter hasn't been cleaned since I started the fish-in cycle over a month ago, should I give this a rinse in the tank water before I move it all, or just leave it as it is?

 

[justjon]

I would rinse them anyway, can't hurtso why not!

 

[ellena]

I would leave the media well alone. If it's working at the moment and your flow is not restricted, it won't help anything.
You don't need the old tank water in terms of cycling/bacteria, but it will be less of a difference in stats for your fish if you keep it.
Are you planning on adding more of the same fish to get them into little shoals? A couple of fish every 3-4 weeks should be a good rate to add them at, keeping an eye on stats each time

 

[chrisbassist]

How often you add should not be determined by times. But by water stats.

You could go to your lfs and buy a couple more fish everyday, with no I'll effects. Since it takes the bacteria about 24 hours to double in size, so it should manage a few fish every day.

Sometimes if the filter isn't mature enough you'll see a mini cycle. If you do, then wait til its over before adding any more.