Will this cycling plan work?

[GBG]

Please let me know if you guys think that this plan to cycle a new 110g tank is a good plan:

1. Yesterday: I set up tank with one Eheim 2217; all filter media is new (no established bacteria); water is treated, no amonnia/nitrates/nitrites. I added three medium red parrots and 10 small tinfoil barbs (my kids' tank, so they choose the fish. ) Have not fed any of the fish yet, so minimal fish waste has been generated, but some ammonia will probably be present by tonight;

3. Tonight: Adding two fully established Eheim 2217s to tank tonight. (3 Eheims total for filtration). The two Eheims have been running on my brother's 55g for years; his tank is heavily stocked. They're filled with bioballs and some sort of mechanical filter media. They should have plenty of beneficial bacteria.

4. After established Eheims are up and running (tonight) on 110g, I will feed fish.

Am I correct this this should pretty much avoid any cycling issues for my new 110? Should I anticipate any problems with this approach? One related question: will the beneficial bacterial in my brother's two Eheims surive the 1 hour trip from his house to mine? I assume yes, but want to confirm).

Appreciate your view. Thanks. GBG

 

[rallysman]

yea, that sounds like a plan. You may go through a "mini" cycle but I doubt it. The bacteria should be fine as long as it stays wet.

 

[Lil_Stinker]

Sounds like a plan.

I would think you should feed the fish now also, get a bit more ammonia in the tank to feed the bacteria after its trip. You will actually loose some bacteria due to the lack of bioload in your new tank. no food for the bacteria, no life.

remember its all about balance, bacteria need the ammonia to live.

 

[Ang]

I agree with Lil Stinker. I would feed them now anyway. Wont hurt anything and you'll have some food waiting for your new bacteria colony.

I doubt you'll loose any bacteria in a 1 hour trip. They just need to stay wet.
Should work fine.

 

[Scottfree]

Fishes gill function creates ammonia.....You don't need to feed them but I would....

 

[moxxommox]

you could have thrown some feeders in just to get it cycling.. goldfish are great for this as they are messy little buggers. good luck!

 

[GBG]

Thanks guys. Other than a mild bacterial bloom (white cloud), which is annoying but harmless, my plan seems to be working well. I'll keep you posted. Appreciate the input! GBG

 

[importracer]

Sounds good .....Get a couple cups of gravel from an established tank that is clean...Pour the used gravel in your tank....Ask your brother...