cycle?

[wckdkl0wn]

Ok I am in the process of cycling another 20 gallon. This is how I have done it so far. Tell me if I am doing this right.

I took about 20-30% water from my already established 20 gallon and put it in the new one. Topped it off with treated tap water. Took some of the fake plants and some rock caves and stuff from the other tank as well. Also took roughly 2 cool whip containers full of gravel. Also added some eco-start to the tank as well.

Am I on the right track so far? About how long do you think it will take for the cycle to complete?

 

[Hawkfish3.0]

Sounds like you're on the right track. As long as your other stuff came from a well established aquarium, it should only take two to three weeks, max, to get that 20 cycled. It might not even take that long.

 

[wckdkl0wn]

the other 20 gallon has been established now for probably close to 2 years

 

[Jory]

with about 3 cups of gravel and some decorations i once cycled a 20 in 3 days...

 

[wckdkl0wn]

its been a long time since I have had to cycle. Just wanted to make sure I was still with it.

My other tank has a bio wheel filter on it. Would it help any if I was to float the bio wheel in the new tank?

 

[Hawkfish3.0]

I've always cycled my tanks the long way, so Jory might have a better idea. It may be that short of a wait. After all, that's not much volume to cycle.

 

[wckdkl0wn]

well the tank I picked up is used. They said it was a 20 gallon but I have a feeling it is more of a 15 gallon. Which is fine because its only going to be a breeder tank for rosy barbs. They are about to spawn again so I hope this wont take that long to cycle. Couple days would be great if it happens. But if not I can wait.

I did a gravel vac with some of the water I put in so the bacteria will have something to munch on for a bit. =)

 

[mojo2776]

Are there currently any fish in the tank? If there is no bioload, any bacteria that you migrated from your established tank will quickly die off.

 

[wckdkl0wn]

Are there currently any fish in the tank? If there is no bioload, any bacteria that you migrated from your established tank will quickly die off.

I didnt want to harm any fish in the making of this tank. With the bacteria I am bringing over from the other tank would it be safe to add fish to it? I figured the stuff that I vacuumed out of the gravel would be enough to keep it alive.

 

[benito1188]

i usually add if not all almost all of the water from the esrablished tank, established filter, a couple of other stuff and add fish. works for me