Plz reply to this asap

[kevin007]

okay, for a 55 gallon tank

should i just let it run on fishless cycle, OR, use my 2 old filters to cycle my new tank for one week?

plz reply asap

i would go for the second choice but not sure

 

[Nisha]

If your older filters have remained wet, it is the better option. Plus any gravel and a bit of water from the older tank will help things along also.

 

[kevin007]

yes, the filters are acually being used right now, 2 20 gallon filters, but i will ahve to change water on my 10 gallon tanks everyday, 10% but i dont mind as long as i can cycle it within a week cause my clown loaches need a bigger tank asap

 

[Tropjunky]

well if u use the old filter media and some old water then i don't c y u can't use the tank after a day of so even better would be some of ur bio media then u could use it right away. Cycling is just to get the bacteria going and if ur old bacteria is there in the new tank then ur cycle is compleate. but i'd use some ammonia to test it out 1st

 

[FishDan]

You still have to "feed" the bacteria in the filters something. So you still need to cycle. Either with fish or without fish. Basically adding some ammonia source via ammonia or fish waste. Otherwise your bacteria will eventually die off. What are you doing about the permanent filter(s) for the 55 gallon? Are you also running that? You should so that some bacteria develops there as well, or you may have a mini-cycle when you finally remove the temporary filters (at least I am guessing they are temporary).

\Dan

 

[kevin007]

damn, my hang on back filter doesn't fit, the only thing i can do now is add old water to my new tank with my new filter runing so cycle it

i will also transfer all the gravel from ONE tank to my new tank becasue that is supposed to be a breeding tank anyways, so i wil ahve gravel, water and fake plants (useless) to cycle the tank, should be done within one week right?

 

[FishDan]

Plants, if they come from an established tank, will help your cycle, as bacteria live on all surfaces in a tank. Additionally, using old water does nothing to help your cycle for the same reason. The bacteria live on surfaces under the water, not in the water column. Just use new, declorinated water, and as much gravel and/or decorations from an etablished tank as you can. These things will go quite a long way to helping your cycle complete rapidly. You can even add a small number of fish right away when adding gravel/decor from an established tank. Just be sure to monitor water params often. And don't bother transferring water, this is a pointless exercise in terms of cycling your tank.

\Dan