I am starting a new 10 gallon aquarium (actually its in a computer monitor that I just transformed into an aquarium) and I've been reading about cycling and I have a question...If I put my filter in an established 20 gallon aquarium (for a few days maybe?) would it build up enough bacteria for me to put it into my aquarium and have no need for cycling? From what I've read it seems that if I did this and also added some of the water from the gravel of the established aquarium when I add my fish that everything would be fine. There would be bacteria in the filter and the established water's aquarium, and the fish I add would be creating ammonia. It seems to me that it would be a perfectly functioning aquarium. Has anyone tried this, or know whether this would work or not?
2006-08-10 20:05:54 · 6 answers · asked by travis_d_05 3 in Pets ➔ Fish
Using already-used filters and substrate is a good idea. What I do is that, and then just put in a good hardy fish or two (danios are a good choice for this; nice-looking little fish, but you're not out much if they die) and let that go for a month or so. The bacteria in the filter and the substrate are not going to do well in the transfer--no matter what, some will die--and the fish need a good amount of time in the tank to fully establish a "new" ecosystem.
Good luck--sounds like a nice tank!
2006-08-10 23:32:37 · answer #1 · answered by angk 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I have used water from an existing tank to start the process. I do it soon after a water change so you are getting the best mix. You have a more pH correct water, yet you still have pre-cycled water.
By doing this, I have not had a nitrite spioke. The person who answered about using used filter material is also correct, because that is where most of the bacteria & enzymes will be living and are then transported to the new tank.
2006-08-11 08:56:36 · answer #2 · answered by IknowNothing 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This is a great idea. We do it for our friends all the time. We will even take out the ilter pad in our tank and put it in their new filter.
Normally we allow them to add a few fish but obviously not fully stock it.
Using seeded gravel, filter and water speeds things up a lot. You should still go slow though when adding fish.
2006-08-11 10:01:06 · answer #3 · answered by Lynn 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An bacteria ecosistem takes a lot longer than 3-4 days to develop, it took me a full 1 and half months, to make this work. Just get a filter in there, and with time you'll get what you want. Good luck! FIsh MAniaC out!
2006-08-11 03:14:35 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You would have to run it for at least 2 weeks, 3 is better. I do this on a regular basis, I keep spare filters running on all my tanks. When I want to set up another one, I just take a filter or 2 from various tanks & set up a new tank.
2006-08-11 20:16:19 · answer #5 · answered by Tolak 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have a look at my site http://www.arts-aquatics-animals.co.uk/30140/info.php?p=12&pno=0 it might help with seeting up. Cycling is a good idea and not doing it usually leads to loss of fish.
2006-08-11 05:29:58 · answer #6 · answered by stevehart53 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋