Newb Cycle Question

[Waterbox]

I am getting a 55 gallon tank today, and I currently have an established 10 gallon running with 2 German Rams, 3 Cherry barbs, 1 female Kribensis (giving away soon) and a Dwarf Gourami. If I put all my 10 gallon's fish, gravel, and plants into the 55, and run the filter that is on the 10 gallon while running the penguin 400 that comes with the 55 gal, would there be an ammonia spike or could I just continue to add fish slowly as I go, or would I need to do a fishless cycle. The reason I want to add all the fish as soon as possible is the 10 gallon is a little cramped.

 

[martyn21uk]

I am getting a 55 gallon tank today, and I currently have an established 10 gallon running with 2 German Rams, 3 Cherry barbs, 1 female Kribensis (giving away soon) and a Dwarf Gourami. If I put all my 10 gallon's fish, gravel, and plants into the 55, and run the filter that is on the 10 gallon while running the penguin 400 that comes with the 55 gal, would there be an ammonia spike or could I just continue to add fish slowly as I go, or would I need to do a fishless cycle. The reason I want to add all the fish as soon as possible is the 10 gallon is a little cramped.

An interesting question and I'm not sure so don't rely on what I say!! But if the stock is the same then your 10G filter would still be able to cope with the same waste whilst the new filter establishes. The only problem I would see is if your 10G filter can't process that amount of water quickly enough?

 

[Waterbox]

Ok, thats the only thing I was thinking too. The filter on the 10 gallon is a bio-wheel "mini" so it is in no way strong enough for a 55, so Maybe if i could get the cartridge from the mini into the 400 filter for increased flow?

 

[martyn21uk]

Ok, thats the only thing I was thinking too. The filter on the 10 gallon is a bio-wheel "mini" so it is in no way strong enough for a 55, so Maybe if i could get the cartridge from the mini into the 400 filter for increased flow?

That sounds like a good idea if possible. The bacteria will double in 24 hours so even if you have a mini-cycle it should settle down pretty quickly, keep a close eye on your ammonia, nitrite and nitrate