I want to try and get some bacteria built up in some stones that I want to put into an established tank. Do I need to put a couple fish in or should I just put the rocks in and let it run for a while?
2007-09-23 14:32:39 · 6 answers · asked by todd v 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
I just answered your other question. You can add the stones at any time to your established tank, then just remove the old gravel a little at a time. If you plan to move the fish and all to the second tank, just go ahead and move everything, including your old gravel to the new tank, and add the new rocks as well. You should have enough bacteria in the old gravel that it will make the new tank safe from the beginning for you fish as long as you put all the old gravel in. You can even use your old filter in the new tank (along with a new one if you bought a larger filter as well) - just be careful that the flow isn't too strong for your fish, you might need to reduce the flow rate in both. This will let both the new rocks and the new filter media colonize with the bacteria from the old tank. See the link I posted in your other question.
2007-09-23 14:46:08 · answer #1 · answered by copperhead 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It's best to put the stones in first and let the tank cycle then add fish a couple at a time. Wait a couple of weeks and add another fish until you have the number you want, depending on the size of your tank.
If the tank's established and has already cycled properly then the stones can be added and still add the fish slowly until their waste and the uneaten food are figured into the cycling equation.
Just make sure to test your water regularly and do partial water changes if nitrites/nitrates build up.
2007-09-23 21:41:24 · answer #2 · answered by angelzfyre 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There is a product on the market called bio-spira and it cycles your tank in just 24 hours, if you do want use this product you should take out your filter Media except the bio-wheel if you have one, also this is a refrigerated product so the pet store will have it there make sure you buy the freshwater one, you can buy it off the Internet but then you have to do overnight shipping. Also if you have a friend that has an established aquarium you could ask for a hand full of gravel and put it into you tank to establish which may be easier for you or you could do both which is what I recommend!
~Kyle
2007-09-23 22:38:51 · answer #3 · answered by Kyle S 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An ammonia source is need to start the cycle-whether from fish, pure ammonia(which is hard to find anymore), a cocktail shrimp put inside a mesh bag/pair of pantyhose/nylons and left to rot will put out ammonia as well.
But, if the tank you're putting them is, is already established, just go ahead and add the rocks to that established tank now, and eventually it will have beneficial bacteria developed on it as well.
2007-09-23 21:39:09 · answer #4 · answered by tikitiki 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Putting in the rocks and leaving it will do nothing. For the cycle to start, you need a source of ammonia. Only when ammonia is present will bacteria start to form and feed on the ammonia.
A few sources of ammonia:
1. Fish. The waste they give out forms ammonia, and they also produce ammonia when they respire. However, using fish in your cycle will increase the time needed to cycle, since you will need to keep changing out water to keep ammonia levels down, so that your fish are safe.
2. Pure ammonia. You can usually find this at hardware stores.
3. Fish food. Just drop about a pinch in at the beginning of your cycle.
2007-09-24 02:05:21 · answer #5 · answered by ninjaaa! 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just put the rocks in and let it run. There are also drops to get the pH balance right and the chlorine out. After that wait like a week test the water and you are good to go.
2007-09-23 22:01:47 · answer #6 · answered by BrandyJo 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋