New Tank. Stocking/Cycling question.

[MissMaddylyn]

Just picked up my new 33L yesterday and going to be getting it set up and cycling this week. I have a couple questions though.

First, if I use my established sponge filter from my 15g (the filter itself is rated up to 75 I think) in combination with the two HOBs (both rated 40g), will that be enough to help give my tank the Beneficial Bacteria to cycle it faster? Ive been given the go ahead a few times, but want a second opinion (or 20).

Second. My fish. I had originally planned this out to be a planted Ram community with tetras and barbs. However, I have a 3" JD and a 4" Valentine Syno Cat (decora/multi hybrid) that HAVE to go into this tank, or else I wont be able to keep them. I cannot keep em in a small 10 gallon any more. (which was only temp, they were in a 20 before) Any suggestions what can go into this tank with them? This is a 33Long, meaning the same footprint as a 55, just not as deep.

 

[MissMaddylyn]

The new tank is 100% set up and running now. Snapped a couple pics. I did throw some plastic plants and whatnot in there, it looked too bare.

We did end up using the established filter to "piggyback" the two new ones. So far so good. Unfortunantly, the damn heat in this place has the temp pretty high up here, and the tank was at at 84+, so I completely unplugged it. I did try turning it down, but it was still freaking hot, so unplugging it until it needs to go back in. Another downside to using the "piggyback" method, I had to tear down the JD and Syno tank early. So they are in the new 33. I shut off the lights to lessen the stress on them. If they survive, which Im sure they will (I made the novice mistake of adding fish three days after setting up a new tank, no established filter), Im still in debate on tank mates. Someone suggested a Salvinni, another said firemouths.

Heres a couple shots of the new tank.

 

[taintedpolarity]

I'd go for it. I had a small 35 gallon rated HOB cycled for BW and 2 HOB's rated for 75 gallons cycled for FW, then threw em all on a new 125 gallon BW tank. Never even detected ammonia or nitrites, and I'd bet the 75gal rated HOBs lost their bacteria because of the salt.
But unless the JD and syno are suffering in the 10 gallon, I'd wait and just cycle the new one right. But of course if you're like me and like instant gratification, I doubt any harm will be done. Worst case, you just move the fish and old filter back in to the 10 gallon and cycle the new one right if you start getting readings for ammonia.