I just got a 180 gallon setup and need to transfer everything from the 90 to the 180. The problem is the 180 runs a sump while the 90 runs 2 canisters. Is it best to use the canisters as usual or take out all the media and put it in the new sump?
How to Transfer BB
- Thread starter shua71
- Start date
just run the 2 canister filter on the 180 for 6 weeks,by then your sump should be fully seeded with bb.
It's kind of personal preference. If you put the canisters on the tank and fill the sump with bio, it'll eventually get seeded. If you have no intention of running canisters on the 180, then yes you can put your submerged bio from the canister into the sump. I'd add some"new" bio to the sump when you do this.
If it were me, I'd run the canisters separately while the sump bio gets seeded. Alot less room for error and you'll end up with extra bio, which never really hurts.
If it were me, I'd run the canisters separately while the sump bio gets seeded. Alot less room for error and you'll end up with extra bio, which never really hurts.
The amount of biological filtration you have is dictated by the amount of bioload your going to put on it. I would add some of your 90 gallon water along with your filter media in the sumpg. 180 gallons of water is a lot. If you don't have the base ammonia production going first some of your Bio may die off causing a mini cycle. Or worse yet, a crash if you add more fish.
The sump is a 60 gal loaded with bio media. Its just those pot scrubbers are not seeded. I would really prefer to take out all the bio media from the canisters and put it in the sum along with the sponges. With this would there be a high chance of a cycle going again?
I dont think so since in effect you're increasing both water volume and bio capacity. If you're worried about it you could dose with Stability for a week to be sure. i do everytime i setup a new tank. As long as fish are in the tank providing a source of ammonia your bio should be ok. I wouldnt add any fish for a bit though. Just current stock.
If you keep your current stock you will have at least a mini cycle. Going from 90 to 60 plus 180 is a lot of dilution. That's why I recommended adding the water too. If you add the water, you may not even notice a mini cycle unless you test your water twice a day. Don't add any new stock for a couple of weeks and you will be good to go.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Thanks. I decided to run the canisters and i'm doing it now. Adding the water would've been too much as I was moving from a 2nd story apartment. I connected the 2 canisters ASAP and added in 4 cups of Prime. I have no stability, didn't really think much about it. Hopefully all turns well. Do you guys recommend daily water changes for now?
Just test and be ready. You should be fine. As long as your bb has something to work on you'll be ok. If you can get Stability I highly recommend it though. Great stuff.