Is Bigger Always Better?

[Spannaz]

Having had a tropicla tank for some time now, i have gone a step further and got a 400 litre one. Now compared to my current 125 Roma this is going to be some step up, however I don't plan on making any big changes or adding different fis, maybe just more of what i currently have. However, does having a bigger tank result in bigger filtration problems etc.
I see alot of units listed with UV filters and the likes, but my current 125 performs fine with just a heater, and the supplied Fluval 3 filter and nothing much more. I am curious to know if going to a bigger tanks means i have to increase the amount of time and effort into filtering. Obviosuly the new tank comes with an external filter (new to that area) and suitable lighting, but just wondered what peoples thoughts are on a tank of this size. It going to be stocked with mollies, neons, tetras, and some peppered corys, a couple of gouramis and lots and lots of golden sand and plants! oh maybe i'll spoil them with some rock and wood too! lol

 

[minxfishy]

As long as the filter is big enough for the job, then maintenance is the same for a large tank as it is for a small tank, no extra effort required, obviously a bit more water needs changing weekly but thats it.

 

[Jazzzz]

if vastly understocked it should require alot less maintanence

 

[Spannaz]

thanks for that, just wanted to clear up any confusion as i'd probably get sold all sorts at local shop otherwise. Its always good to be armed witha bit of independant knowledge before the event rather than after!
I can't see me overstocking, have stopped seperating the fry as i'd rather let nature takes its course, and will hopefully not get over run. Obviosuly the one thing to buy will be new filters media (its a used RIO 400 about 9 months old) and alot more plants and then leave the whole thing to cycle. Is it worth transferring some of the water from my current tank into it when i next do a water change to help cycle it or should i start from fresh?

 

[minxfishy]

You could transfer all your filter media that you have in your current filter to the new filter and immediately add the fish you have, the media currently has enough bacteria to cope with the fish you have, give it a few weeks and slowly stock as you would normally, just giving the bacteria time to catch up with the extra waste load. You could also use some of the water in the tank you currently have but it doesnt hold any bacteria at all, thats all in the filter media.

 

[Spannaz]

You could transfer all your filter media that you have in your current filter to the new filter and immediately add the fish you have, the media currently has enough bacteria to cope with the fish you have, give it a few weeks and slowly stock as you would normally, just giving the bacteria time to catch up with the extra waste load. You could also use some of the water in the tank you currently have but it doesnt hold any bacteria at all, thats all in the filter media.

ah well that does clear up things alot for me as i thought it would be in the water. I have also got a load of gravel as i went to sand, (small layer of gravel then covered with sand) didnt know what to do with the gravel so kept it sealed up just in case. Filter media is due a change so i can stretch this out with putting the filter from the Fluval (internal) in with the new tank and new media on the 5ft tank (external) and run that until bacteria build to a safe level. No plans to increase population yet, mother nature is doing that all on her own at the moment but little one si desperate for neon tetra's! Everytime we go near a shop its the same story lol. I'll give in and say yeah................lets get 50! lol

 

[OldMan47]

The only useful thing about bringing over some water is that the fish are already used to that water. If you look at it another way, you are going to be doing an enormous partial water change with a new container, the 400l tank. I would at least keep some water unless you are going to fill the new tank and then drip acclimate the fish to get them ready for the new water.