Cycling a new tank while keeping an old tank running

[NilusFishFamily]

Second question for the day. I have an old 35 gallon tank with a couple fish that are moving to much bigger digs(125 gallons). I obviously need to keep the old tank up and running and stable while the new tank cycles but would like to get it ready as quick as possible(but still be safe).

From what I read, the water itself isn't really worth moving over but the gravel and the biological media in the filter have all that good bacteria growing in it and could be worth while to move over. The question is if its worth moving over some of the media and gravel from the old tank to the new one and how much can I safetly remove while keeping the old tank stable and happy and Is it worth it or is just a good clean full no fish cycle just a better option? My sons giant monster pleco is precious to him(its why we are getting him a nice huge tank) so I want to make sure we make this move as safe for him as possible

 

[deeda]

Will the old filter on the 35G tank fit on the new 125G tank? If so, you can just transfer it over to the new tank without cleaning it.

You can also move over the gravel to the new tank if it's the same stuff just try not to transfer over any dirt or debris. Some people place the old substrate in nylon stockings and let them hang in the output flow of the filter.

Just be sure the new tank water has been dechlorinated and the temperature is the same as the old tank.

Or you can wait and cycle the new tank using the fishless cycling method though that can take 6 weeks or so.

Either way, monitor the new tank setup using a good test kit for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate and be prepared to perform water changes if needed.

 

[tlindsey]

Second question for the day. I have an old 35 gallon tank with a couple fish that are moving to much bigger digs(125 gallons). I obviously need to keep the old tank up and running and stable while the new tank cycles but would like to get it ready as quick as possible(but still be safe).

From what I read, the water itself isn't really worth moving over but the gravel and the biological media in the filter have all that good bacteria growing in it and could be worth while to move over. The question is if its worth moving over some of the media and gravel from the old tank to the new one and how much can I safetly remove while keeping the old tank stable and happy and Is it worth it or is just a good clean full no fish cycle just a better option? My sons giant monster pleco is precious to him(its why we are getting him a nice huge tank) so I want to make sure we make this move as safe for him as possible

Yery good question. It depends. On the bioload your fish are producing in the old aquarium. Common Pleco's produce a large bioload. I suggest taking a small amount of bio media and gravel from the running aquarium. Please don't stir up the gravel it can cause problems especially if you don't gravel vac consistently during aquarium maintenance. Also any ornaments in the aquarium will also have beneficial bacteria on the surface.

 

[tlindsey]

Will the old filter on the 35G tank fit on the new 125G tank? If so, you can just transfer it over to the new tank without cleaning it.

You can also move over the gravel to the new tank if it's the same stuff just try not to transfer over any dirt or debris. Some people place the old substrate in nylon stockings and let them hang in the output flow of the filter.

Just be sure the new tank water has been dechlorinated and the temperature is the same as the old tank.

Or you can wait and cycle the new tank using the fishless cycling method though that can take 6 weeks or so.

Either way, monitor the new tank setup using a good test kit for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate and be prepared to perform water changes if needed.

^
This

 

[The Silvs]

Run a twin sponge filter in your cycled tank. Use one of those single cycled sponges in your new tank.

 

[esoxlucius]

You say you want to keep the old tank "up and running and stable" whilst the new tank is cycled using media from your old tank, the very one you want to keep "stable"?

Let me tell you, you start transferring media, rocks, gravel, whatever, from your old tank to your new tank, then the parameters in your old tank will certainly not remain stable, especially if you still have fish in your old tank.

It dosen't help that the old tank is only small. Smaller volumes of water can be bit less forgiving when you start upsetting the equilibrium.

What i'd do is put your fish in a container with tank water, it'll only take a couple of hours, then transfer everything over to your new tank, gravel, filter ornaments, the lot. As others have said your gravel will be full of crud so rinse it in water from your old tank to remove most of the crud, but your BB will still be attached to the gravel.

Then, when everything is transferred fill your new tank up with temperature correct treated water, use prime or whatever's your choice, and put your fish in. Your water may be a little cloudy for a while until any remaining debris from your gravel settles.

Then monitor closely for the first few days and feed very sparingly, if at all, your fish will manage without food for a while. And don't be tempted to add any new fish.

P.S. I don't know what filter you are running on your small tank but i'm pretty sure it will be inadequate for the upgrade. You may need to change it somewhere down the line.

Good luck.