new tank old bacteria

[flash]

Hi,

Just set up a 2nd hand tank I bought over the weekend. We used the old sand, medias, some old tank water, plants and bogwood to accelerate the cycle? There was some time between tank being emptied, relocated and then set up again, will this have killed off any of the bacteria in the media?

Thanks ash

 

[jflowers]

No expert, but depends on the time interval, hours, then maybe some bacteria will remain, days, then IMO I dont think so. The bacteria need oxygen and food to survive, thats why I dont think products like cycle work, William once said it may contain bacterial spores which is a possibility I suppose.

Jon

 

[fishdudein]

I agree with what jflowers said, just want to add that you can always seed your tank with bacteria by taking a little of the filter media or gravel from your existing tank and adding it to your new tank. Works great.

 

[flash]

THats pretty much what we,ve done with old plants etc.

Levels seem ok at the mo but still a bit early I think to tell. The GH is staying very low though in thew bigger tank... any ideas and how can I raise it slightly if need be?

Ash

 

[Discomafia]

Epsom salt is what you're looking for.

 

[flash]

What and where do I find that?!

 

[fishdudein]

Most pharmacies or drug stores would have it, a pretty common item. Lots of uses around the house, and pretty inexpensive.

 

[freddyk]

I've moved many times and never had an interruption in my cycle. Keep the stuff wet, most especially the filter media (I bag it like I do the fish) and it will be fine for hours at least. Keep the filter media like this and you will end up with an instantly cycled tank.

 

[Stryker]

Same here, I went from a 120L community tank to a 680L tank. I brought over all my old gravel, plants, filters and everything was fine. Ok so the new tank may be 6 times bigger, but the stocking levels are the same.

As said above, keep your filters wet and if the change will take more than an hour or so keep them aireated and warm and with your fish.

Personally I put my filters, a heater and fish in a large bucket while I did my change over to the bigger tank.