New 20 Gallon.

[Kowalski]

So, here's my issue:

I currently have a well-established 10 gallon with a Pengiun 100 filter with Bio-Wheel.

I've recently bought a new 20 gallon. The 20 gallon will have a Penguin 200 filter with Bio-Wheel. This new tank will also have a new substrate. Only thing carried over will be 6 platies, snails, one shrimp, plastic plants, very few live plants and other decor.

Due to space issues and such, it would be very nice (and SO much easier) to be able to not cycle the 20 gallon. So, my question is this:

Is there anyway to get "filter media" from my 10 gallon filter and use it with my new tank even though the two filters are different sizes? Also, I've read about filter media balls, tubes, and etc. These, in my eyes, simply are a breeding ground for the beneficial bacteria the tank needs. Would buying a bag of that, placing it with my 10 gallon running for a day or so then putting it in my new tank prevent issues?

Sorry if this is confusing. Thank you so, so much in advance.

 

[Wonderboy]

Just put your 100 filter media into the 200 filter with it's own media already in place.

Try to use some of the substrate from your 10 in your 20 and when you move your plastic plants, don't wash them, or let them dry off.

Also use 5 gallons of water from your 10 and start filling the 20 (each day), and continue to do water changes on the 20 often using the 10 gallon's water to refill it. (refill your ten with tap)

I've had to do upgrades to new tanks, and these actions and more typically prove successful, and since all that was probably excessively confusing, feel free to cluelessly stare at the screen and ask what the heck I am talking about.

~ Wonderboy!

 

[Kowalski]

Thank you for your response.

Substrate: I'm using black sand in my new tank, old tank has red gravel, not sure I'd want to mix the two...

I was planning on pouring all the 10 gallon water into the new tank throguh a strainer. Why, you may ask. Well, although your idea is indeed very good, I am unable to perform such actions. I only have room to have the 20 set up. The 10 gallon will be emptied halfway, taken off the shelf, then the 20 will be there. Tricyk, and somewhat risky, true. It seems to be my only current option. Damn my small room!

Do you have any suggestions regarding media bags or anything of that sort?

Also, when you suggest joining the media in the new tank, do you mean simply putting the blue sponge in front of the new ones and let it "float" in the new filter? It's far too small to be put in the slip for them, and as mentioned, the Bio-Wheel area is far too large for my 10 gallon's...

Tricky and confusing, no?

Thank you so much for the help though, truly.

 

[Wonderboy]

Substrate: yeah, don't mix them... it'd come out pretty ugly.

Dumping all the water is okay, just don't spill! You can try siphoning all the water into a cooler, and then pouring it in the 20 pitcher by pitcher; then fill the rest with tap.

If you use your media from your old filter, it kind of acts as a "media bag".

If you are taking down your ten completely, why not run the small 100 filter on the 20 along with the 200 for a week or two...

 

[Kowalski]

I'm definitely leaning in the direction of running both filters for a week or so. Problem with this is, where do I put the second filter on the hood and such? Hm...

I'll also possibly put the blue sponge from my 10 in the 20 filter to help the process... Hmm, this is all quite confusion and lacking direction! Haha.

Thank you so much for the help, any other tips/comments/suggestions/advice?

 

[Wonderboy]

Hey, all I can say is that most of the time we're just winging it, but when you do all that you can, things end up in the better.

Have fun and good luck - it'll go by easily!!

~ Wonderboy!

 

[Kowalski]

Thank you very, very much for the help!

Thank you for letting me remember that all I can do is the best I can with what I got.

Thank you again!

 

[babybell911]

you could always put some of your gravel into tights and let the bacteria travel from the gravel to the sand by resting it on top. It might look unsilghtly but least you wont have to mix them and you'll get the bacteria benefit.

I vote running the 2 filters side by side as your best option goodluck x

 

[PaulEbs]

Babybell took the words right outta my mouth.

I helped a friend change from his 40 gallon to a 60, and all we did was put some of the old gravel in tights, and rest it on the bottom - behind a rock or something as it looks ugly.

Also, as said, use your old filter alongside your new one.

Good luck.


Paul.