So its time to move my grow tank from a standard 20 to a 40 gallon breeder. I got the tank set up and pulled the HOB off and stuck it on the new one. Its 20 gallon rated but I figure it cant hurt. I took some sand from the 55 gallon and a double sponge filter as well as some of the rocks and decor. This is the first time I've done this but I did read some on here. So basically my question for all those that have done this a few times is how long do I have to wait until I can transfer my little guys to their new bigger home?
Fast cycle? think I'm doing it right.
- Thread starter lifeon2
- Start date
You should be good to move the fish to the 40 gallon.
Ok so how long should I leave the old HOB on there? The new HOB is running as well and the sponge filter isnt going anywhere I'm just leaving it in that tank.
With The sponge filters I don’t think you need it tbh but you could leave it for 3-4 weeks to be safe (me assuming how long it’ll take the new HOB filter to establish that same bacteria).
I'd leave it on for as long as possible. It's established so it will slowly establish the other filters.
I had to set up a 20L as a quarantine for a 10 fish purchase a bit ago. All I did was check my 55, water was excellent so I did a partial water change. The only difference from a normal change is I drained from the 55 to the 20. Dropped heater and filter in it. It was the water they were going to move to. It worked great.
Not only are you good to go with respect to putting some fish in there, but you really shoudn't waste any time in doing so. The bacteria in those filters requires a source of ammonia, and will gradually die off if left without. By setting it up the way you have done it, you have a pretty much fully-cycled tank already. Waiting will decrease the benefits you have gained, not increase them.
Starting the new tank with water from the old might decrease the shock of transferring fish to some extent, but it doesn't have much of an effect on cycling. The bacteria aren't floating around loose in the water; they require a substrate like gravel, foam, etc on which to live and grow.
Starting the new tank with water from the old might decrease the shock of transferring fish to some extent, but it doesn't have much of an effect on cycling. The bacteria aren't floating around loose in the water; they require a substrate like gravel, foam, etc on which to live and grow.