Tank switch question

[spellingwitch]

Hi, I'm really anxious about the cycling thing so i want to get this right. I have a small 2.5 gallon tank and am moving my fish over to a 10 gallon (mostly because the 2.5 has a slow leak, but also to give them a bigger home). The 2.5 has been perfectly balanced and the fish happy for a few months now.

Assuming I set up the new tank with dechlorinated, same temperature water, can I set up the 10 gal and then just transfer the old filter bag (same size) and gravel which have the good bacteria in them? Will that prevent the need for a cycle or will the 10 gallon still have to cycle? And maybe even the old 2.5 gallons of water (will that make the transition easier)? I just don't want my fish to die. When can I move the fish over?

I would do a fishless cycle from scratch but I've had trouble finding pure ammonia and I don't need to if I have old gravel/filter bag right?

Thanks!

 

[gadazobe]

First of all I'm very glad that you've upgraded to a bigger tank. I should imagine things were getting a little cramped in the old one. Just transfer everything from the old one to the new, including filter media,gravel, ornaments, water and anything else that's in it. This should allow you to add the fish immediately without having to cycle the tank. Just go easy on the feeding for the next few days and keep an eye on the water quality. Good luck.

 

[Mo99]

Just transfer everything from the old one to the new, including filter media,gravel, ornaments, water and anything else that's in it. This should allow you to add the fish immediately without having to cycle the tank. Just go easy on the feeding for the next few days and keep an eye on the water quality. Good luck.

Hi G,
so does that still mean that the tank will still go through a smaller cycle over a much smaller time line..??

 

[gadazobe]

Not necessarily - there most probably won't be any cycle at all. If the old tank is really well established, there should be enough bacteria to enable a clean swop - just remember to do it as quickly as possible and to keep everything wet. Don't let the gravel or filter media dry out.

 

[Mo99]

Not necessarily - there most probably won't be any cycle at all. If the old tank is really well established, there should be enough bacteria to enable a clean swop - just remember to do it as quickly as possible and to keep everything wet. Don't let the gravel or filter media dry out.

Cool, you learn something everyday..thanks G.