Would This Be Ok?

[darkmerlin21]

I have come to the realization that with both female guppies ready to pop that I should probably be looking into getting a separate tank for the fry. I plan on buying a 10G kit and I was wondering if it would be possible to cycle it using my goldfish. I have had it for a couple of years in a bowl (I know, not the best place but we only took it to save it from a ride down the toilet and cuz we had a bowl). If I put the goldfish in the tank without the heater on, cycle the tank and THEN take the goldfish out, turn the heater on. Would this work? I know that alot of people are fond of cycling without fish but I don't have the foggiest clue as to how to do that. Since I don't want any more fish (other than the new ones that I am "expecting") I thought this may be a solution. Thanks in advance...

 

[tttnjfttt]

It is possible to do so, they use the same bacteria. However, if you would like, we can help you through the fishless cycling process. Also, you can start cloning your tank by running the new spounge next to your extablished one.

 

[robbud]

I wouldn't go to the trouble of doing that.

You can just use some of your existing tank water and mix it with the new water. If you are running a sponge filter squeeze the sponge in the new tank. These methods will help mature the new filter

Thanks

Rob

 

[tttnjfttt]

Very very few bacteria are floating free in the water, they live in the filter media and the tank. Squeezing out the old filter will help get some bacteria in the tank. I would give feed those bacteria with pure ammonia to encourage them to rapidly grow before the fry are in there.

 

[mandy82]

I tried the fishless cycle on my ten gal for guppies and nothing happened. Then I bought Bio Spira, and I'm still having issues with ammonia and nitrites. Personally, if I could do it over again I would just stick them in there, watch the levels, and do water changes every day or as needed. That's what I'm doing now and my guppies are doin' fine.

 

[darkmerlin21]

Thanks to all of you for responding. I don't know what a "sponge" filter is.. the one I have is an Aqua-Tech power filter (model 5/15). The sponge ones are the kind that sit IN the tank, right? Is there a preferred filter I should use in a fry tank? I ask because the kit I plan to get comes with a power filter like the one I already have.

As for the fishless cycling thing.. I would prefer to stick with what has worked for me and I have only done it with fish.. My goldfish is the toughest fish I know... so I thought he would do the job. Can I use the water I siphon out of the old tank during water changes to add to the new one? Thanks again to everyone.