Upgrading To Bigger Tank

[eviltuna]

I'll be moving from a 36gal to a 46gal bow front soon (I can only fit a 3 foot tank in the spot in my home office) Anyways, I started running an extra HOB filter for about 2 weeks now in the same tank, so I have an Aquaclear 70 and a Marineland Bio-wheel filter running. If I moved both filters to the new tank, and get a Canister filter, a long with moving some of the decorations, would that reduce the cycling process if not eliminate it? Anyone done this b4?

 

[Squid]

I take it if you are going to move both filters that the old tank will no longer be used.??

In my opinion it will mean that there is no real cycling process as the filters will already be cycled. However, the tank will only be cycled for the equivalent bio-load to that of the old tank. If you are adding new fish, you still want to do this slowly. Although, if the tank is previously pretty well stocked and the filter is pretty mature, the filter should be able to allow the growth of the additional bacteria pretty well as you add fish. You may not even notice a mini-cycle.

I used to just have an internal Juwel filter, but after a few months i added and external eheim filter, with the aim of removing the juwel one to create more space. I ran the two along side each other for about 4 weeks (perhaps longer than i needed to, but wanted to be sure) then removed the juwel filter. I continually tested the water, and the stats showed no ill effects/signs of ammonia or nitrite.

Hope that helps,
Squid.

 

[eviltuna]

We'll I've had the tank running for roughly a year and a half, and my most recent water test everything seems inline. I currently have 7 mbunas and will probably add another 4-5 over time, just kinda wanted some insights from people who have actually switch tanks, I would then turn my old tank into a quarantine tank or maybe turn it into a community tank using one of the old filters after the new tank has been established.

I take it if you are going to move both filters that the old tank will no longer be used.??

In my opinion it will mean that there is no real cycling process as the filters will already be cycled. However, the tank will only be cycled for the equivalent bio-load to that of the old tank. If you are adding new fish, you still want to do this slowly. Although, if the tank is previously pretty well stocked and the filter is pretty mature, the filter should be able to allow the growth of the additional bacteria pretty well as you add fish. You may not even notice a mini-cycle.

I used to just have an internal Juwel filter, but after a few months i added and external eheim filter, with the aim of removing the juwel one to create more space. I ran the two along side each other for about 4 weeks (perhaps longer than i needed to, but wanted to be sure) then removed the juwel filter. I continually tested the water, and the stats showed no ill effects/signs of ammonia or nitrite.

Hope that helps,
Squid.

 

[Squid]

Well, it's the filter that does most of the business. i have not switched tanks, but had a complete re-do.. I changed the substrate, but replaced about 50% of the water and put the original rocks and wood back in. Using the same filter I had no problems whatsoever, as i tested all the stats after the change. The fish have been healthy and happy throughout the process.. SO i guess this would be slightly comparable, and you would be ok. Just keep the stress levels down for the fish is my main recommendation. That alone will reduce the risk of whitespot etc. Take out a fair amount of water before catching the fish, it makes it easier..

Loads of buckets and good luck
Squid