I have one goldfish currently residing in a 10 gallon tank that he is outgrowing rapidly. I cycled this tank without fish and therefore there is no ammonia in it and has never been. I have bought a new 20 high tank for him and was going to fishless cycle that tank as well but was wondering if I needed to. If I keep the same rocks (plus about 10 more pounds of rock) with the same filter, filter media and decorations will this tank need to be cycled for will the tank remain cycled with the filter media and rocks to help it out?
2007-10-27 04:41:01 · 8 answers · asked by Train1123 1 in Pets ➔ Fish
Hi Train, this is very simple & because you are moving from a 10 gallon to a 20 gallon you are only doubling the volume so treat it simply as a 50% partial water change. something I would suggest as a precaution is before you begin make sure the new tank is filled with water & allowed to stand for a couple of days simply to test it-do this even if it is brand new-you cannot be too careful. Then clean it thoroughly with luke warm water & salt, finally rinse with clean water.
1. Calculate how much more water your new tank holds than your old one & prepare slightly more than this amount, as your present tank is a 10 gallon & your new one is 20 gallons prepare about 12 gallons of treated water & allow to stand until it reaches room temperature. Then you are ready for the move.
2. Draw off 2 buckets full of your old tank water, then-using a small net-carefully guide each of your fish into a small container or bag & transfer each individual to one of the buckets. Then transfer all your ornaments, plants, airstones & other decorations plus filter to the other bucket [these all have the healthy bacterial colonies on them which preserve the cycle so must not be allowed to dry out]. If you have a canister filter, simply unhook it from your old tank.
3. Transfer the remainder of your old tank water into your new tank until you have just a couple inches left in the old. The gravel can now be rinsed in this remaining water & transferred to the new tank leaving the loose debris & gunk behind in the old tank. (this residue is great for the tomato plants!)
4. Arrange your decorations, plants, airstones etc in your new tank & fix the filter-then gently introduce your fish to the new tank one by one in the same way you put them in the bucket. Once they are in their new home the bucket of water they were in can also be added along with the one the accessories were in which should bring the water level in the new tank to at least half way.
5. Slowly top-up with the new treated & temperature matched water, switch on your filter & airstones & you are done. Depending on the capacity of your filter & the capacity of your new tank you may need a bigger filter but running your old one in conjunction with the new one for several weeks will ensure a smooth transition-keep a daily check on your parameters for a couple of weeks & do regular partial water changes as normal-job done!
2007-10-27 05:22:28 · answer #1 · answered by John 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Using your old filter and decor in the new tank will "jump start" the cycle. You will be able to move the fish right over to it without having to wait. I did it when I moved from a 10 gal to a 20 gal tank. You should still monitor ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels for the first week or so to make sure ammonia and nitrites stay close to zero. Yes and obviously treat the water to remove any chlorine.
2007-10-27 05:26:46 · answer #2 · answered by Dustinius 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Make sure that you also transfer all the water from the 10 gallon to the 20 gallon, the just top of the 20 gallon with fresh water, and you are ready to rock and roll no need for cycling.
I have done this several time with new an used tanks and I have never had a problem!! (no stress out or dead fish)
2007-10-27 05:44:59 · answer #3 · answered by Katryna C 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No, cycling the new tank would be a waste of time and effort. By transferring everything from the old tank to the new tank you are transferring all of the good bacteria you have developed, and the tank will resume as normal.
2007-10-27 04:48:30 · answer #4 · answered by Ghapy 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋
If you keep most of the stuff: water, filter media and rocks etc. No cycling required. Make sure the new water is chlorine and chloramine free and of the same temperature.
2007-10-27 04:59:30 · answer #5 · answered by Gerard S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The new tank should be ready to use in a few days. It is important to let the chlorine out of the tap water. Transfer the fish with some old water. Goldfish is tough.
2007-10-27 04:51:57 · answer #6 · answered by OKIM IM 7 · 0⤊ 3⤋
You would still need to cycle the tank. Since you al ready have fish, it might be best to fishless cycle it so your goldfish won't die.
2007-10-27 04:53:53 · answer #7 · answered by Chris 5 · 0⤊ 4⤋
dude alwayse cycle the bacteria in the rocks and filter might cycle it in a week but i would keep him in a 10 until you know forsure that its safe
2007-10-27 05:00:53 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋