Tank upgrade - transfer filter or let cycle for a month?

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
ubomb623

ubomb623

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Apr 9, 2011
41
1
38
Chicago NW Suburbs
Hi all,
I recently purchased a nice 210 gallon tank, and i was just wondering what everyones opinion for getting it ready for the fish. Right now i have a 55 gallon with a Fluval 305 on it, all my fish are in that tank. I am getting 2x Fluval Fx5's for my new 210 gallon tank.

Obviously, i would like to move my fish into their new tank as soon as possible, but i also want to make sure they are all going to be ok.

So do I move my Fluval 305 over to the new tank along with the fish and transfer some water over to the new tank as well, hoping to transfer the bacteria from the 55 gallon to the 210 gallon? Will the big increase in volume dilute the bacteria from the old filter and possibly be harmful to my fish?

Or do i just set up the 210 and let cycle for around month the traditional way?
 
Honestly I would just fill the tank with clean water, matching temp and ph etc, transfer filter and fish and hook up the fx5s, and just not feed for a couple of days to make sure the bacteria gets a hold.


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I don't think you need to let it cycle for a month. I would do as above poster suggested, use all new/treated water in the new tank, match temp and just move the fish and filter over. It would help to move any tank decor/rocks/driftwood since that can have bb on it too. just test often to make sure everything is ok but as long as you're not changing the bio load the old filter should handle it on the new tank.
 
dxdx said:
I don't think you need to let it cycle for a month. I would do as above poster suggested, use all new/treated water in the new tank, match temp and just move the fish and filter over. It would help to move any tank decor/rocks/driftwood since that can have bb on it too. just test often to make sure everything is ok but as long as you're not changing the bio load the old filter should handle it on the new tank.
Click to expand...

Sounds good, that it what i was thinking! Thanks!
 
Now, do I start run the FX5's while the water is getting to the correct temperature/PH? Or do I wait to start them until I move over my 305? Also, how long do you think I have to keep my 305 running on this tank before the bacteria transfers over to the FX5 and I can put the 305 back on the old tank?
 
I agree with Probass - set it up, hook up both filters and transfer fish. You could also just transfer all the media from the old filter to your fx5. I just set up a lot smaller tank 3 days ago - 45 gal and took a c360 canisters off of my 125 gal and moved it to the 45 gal then put in 15 African Cichlids the same day. I have been testing the water for the past 3 days and no issues, tank is fully cycled. Again, I know it's a lot smaller footprint and as Probass stated, don't feed or go light for a few days and keep testing your water.. Good luck
 
I still am planning on running the 55 gallon after the 210 is cycled. If I move the 305 to the 210 gallon, how long will it take until the bacteria is seeded in the 210 gallon, and i can move the filter back to the 210 gallon. I'm not sure if i want to move all of the media into the new filters, because wouldnt that cause the 55 gallon to recycle?
 
ubomb623 said:
I still am planning on running the 55 gallon after the 210 is cycled. If I move the 305 to the 210 gallon, how long will it take until the bacteria is seeded in the 210 gallon, and i can move the filter back to the 210 gallon. I'm not sure if i want to move all of the media into the new filters, because wouldnt that cause the 55 gallon to recycle?
Click to expand...

If you're keeping the 55 running Move half the media to an fx5 on the 210 and keep half in the 305 on the 55. If you move some fish to the 210 and keep some in the 55 you're splitting the bio load and it should work fine. Just test daily.


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I would just run both filters on your new tank for several days or a week and then move your old filter back to your 55 gal. Just keep an eye on your readings and your fish and you should be good to go(this will tell you when your cycled) but remember to test also once you remove the old filter - feed lightly and be ready for water changes.... I am no expert on this subject but I have moved and set up several different tanks over the past few years and have never had a spike or cycling issue when adding established media or filter to a new tank. Again, yours might take longer since it is a larger tank....Make sure to post pics when set up...take care
 
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