Some questions on setting up a 150 gallon tank

[Ironmahn]

Hi all! Got my first 6 footer, which is an old 150 gallon tank with new substrate. I have a well used loaded sponge filter to squeeze out the sludge into the tank. I am running a FX5 on an established 55 gallon African Cichlid tank. I will add a few small nylon bags of substrate from an established tank in there as well, and some decor from another established tank. The Fluval is loaded with pot scrubbers, bio balls, and the factory side basket sponges. How long should I run the canister to establish BB before putting it on the 150? There will be (3) 6-9", (6) 3-5" fish. If I do all of the above to the 150 at the same time, and add my fish will the tank still cycle? Or is that enough to have the 150 start up as an established tank. Thanks guys!!

 

[zerelli]

New substrate, or can you take substrate from the 55? If it is just those 9 fish I would be tempted to just give the filter a few days on the 55 to seed it. Isn't an FX5 a bit much for a 55? I thought they did like 900 gph?

 

[koop171]

FX5 on a 55 is alot but kinda sounds like he's just seeding it for the 150. if the sponge is seeded from another tank and the FX5 has had time to grow the BB. and if you can get at least some old sub from another tank. it should not take long at all to fully cycle

 

[Ironmahn]

Right, the Fluval is just on the 55 to be seeded with BB; how long should I run it? I am attempting to make the 150 an established tank without all the water changing to cut cost. If this idea is a no go or does not sound feasible, then I will just have to go the "fishless" cycle route. Which is something I was wanted to avoid. Thanks!

 

[OnceLoyal]

I would think a week would be enough to "seed: the FX. You could take a little bit of the other substrate and scatter it. Let it sit for a week or 2 and remove it putting it back in the 55. I would say you would be all set.

 

[L A R R Y]

You can also take a bit of the media out of the filters on the 55 and put it in the FX5 on the 150.

 

[Ironmahn]

So if I am understanding this correctly, if I leave the FX on the 55 for a week or two and the other measures I described... I will not have to go through a cycle on the new 150 setup. How nice that will be.

 

[koop171]

how long do you have before you have water in the 150?


I think 2-3 weeks on the 55 should be enough to get you started but just make sure, once you fill the 150 you check your water perams. every couple of days.

 

[Ironmahn]

Well that's the thing, I am trying to get an established tank before the fish are in... not after. So that is why I am asking if my idea of the tank prep will achieve this. If not I will fishless cycle. Thanks!