Starting A 2Nd Tank

[Snoopy2010uk]

Question for you guys, im thinking of starting a 2nd smaller tank, I have everything i'll need and was wondering if I do a water change on my main tank can I use that in the 2nd tank to help it along? or would I be better starting from scratch?

 

[gmc1]

You will need to cycle your new tank.the water will not do that.

 

[Ninjouzata]

As above, the water will not have the bacteria you need in it. The bacteria is mainly in the filter, substrate, and on hard surfaces like the walls of the tank and decorations.
 
You can take a bit of media (no more than 1/3 I believe and replace it with a new piece) and place that into the new tank's filter and then follow THIS. That will speed it up

 

[Snoopy2010uk]

Fair enough, I'm in no real rush to get this tank running so I put fresh water in. I'll give it a month or so then look at the water and see how it is. 
 
Thanks for the info guys.

 

[Ninjouzata]

If you are planning to just leave the tank sitting for a month that won't do anything. You need to add ammonia and follow the article. Kleen-Off is a popular brand to use there I think.
 
You'll need a liquid test kit if you don't have one already as well.

 

[Snoopy2010uk]

If you are planning to just leave the tank sitting for a month that won't do anything. You need to add ammonia and follow the article. Kleen-Off is a popular brand to use there I think.

 
You'll need a liquid test kit if you don't have one already as well.

 
I'll have a look at the weekend and pick some bits up. Are there any liquid test kits you would recommend?

 

[Ninjouzata]

API is a good and popular brand

 

[Snoopy2010uk]

Just ordered this https/www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000255NCI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 would that be alright?

 

[Ninjouzata]

Yup that's the one a lot of us use. The only thing it doesn't have unfortunately is a GH and KH test.
You can buy these separately or find that info on your water company's website. Can also have your LFS test them for you. It's just good to know when thinking of what to stock