Tank setup/cycling

[OutbackJack]

Finally got my 150 set up. Got the filter primed, got the heater going, need to order another wavemaker because the one I got SUCKS. Also, walmart had these LED Shop lights (5000K/5500 Lumen) knocked down to 17 bucks and figured it'd be good enough for aquarium plants. Light seems to reach the bottom of the aquarium just fine.

Now, I was just looking for tips/tricks/etc to cycling and prepping a tank this large. My fiancee is switching from gravel to sand in her tank and I was curious as to if taking some of her gravel that has an established bacteria presence then putting it in my tank help. Also, would adding trumpet snails help? I really want to make sure this is GTG before adding my dojo loaches to it.

Also, I had to post just to brag. Never had an aquarium over 55G before and I'm so happy with what I've done so far.

(sorry for the poor photo quality. My phone is cheap.)

 

[Joshuakahan]

Finally got my 150 set up. Got the filter primed, got the heater going, need to order another wavemaker because the one I got SUCKS. Also, walmart had these LED Shop lights (5000K/5500 Lumen) knocked down to 17 bucks and figured it'd be good enough for aquarium plants. Light seems to reach the bottom of the aquarium just fine.

Now, I was just looking for tips/tricks/etc to cycling and prepping a tank this large. My fiancee is switching from gravel to sand in her tank and I was curious as to if taking some of her gravel that has an established bacteria presence then putting it in my tank help. Also, would adding trumpet snails help? I really want to make sure this is GTG before adding my dojo loaches to it.

Also, I had to post just to brag. Never had an aquarium over 55G before and I'm so happy with what I've done so far.

(sorry for the poor photo quality. My phone is cheap.)

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Yes, seeding the tank from an established tank usually works well. I’d also bring some media over from the other tank and put some of the gravel in a filter sock and add that to the filter

 

[duanes]

Agree about the gravel, using it should speed up the process.

And I have used shop lights for years, and they work fine.
For plants though, its about th quality of bulbs, not the fixture.

A friend was reefer, and would change out his strong (expensive) coral growth light bulbs every 6 months, instead of tossing them, for me those bulbs could provide at least another 6 months of light for the type freshwater aquatic plants I used.

 

[BIG-G]

I use so shop lights also, I would make one suggestion that would be once you are ready to put plants in, I would move the light closer or place it directly on the tank if that would work for you.
You are losing a lot of light with it in its current location.

 

[duanes]

Agree about light placement, if you want vigorous aquatic plant growth, the lights will need closer proximity to the tank.
If you want terrestrials like Pothos, hanging the fixtures that high might work.

 

[OutbackJack]

Thank you everyone, I believe I have enough chain left over to where I can lower it to a better position.

I appreciate it the input greatly. Every bit counts.

 

[OutbackJack]

Yes, seeding the tank from an established tank usually works well. I’d also bring some media over from the other tank and put some of the gravel in a filter sock and add that to the filter

Ah, I didn't think about doing that to the filter. Lmao I just threw her old sponge filter in the tank and let it float around.

Your idea is probably better

 

[OutbackJack]

Lowered it.

It's MUCH better. I didn't realize how much of the light was in the room and not going into the aquarium. Now it's much more easy on the eyes when I have the room light off.