Yet another of the endless "cycling" questions

[WaterBug]

I have finally filled my 75 gallon and am preparing to start cycling it. I have an established 10 gal. gold fish tank (with 1 goldfish). Would their be any issues with using some of the established media to cycle the 75 gal? even though the 75 is going to be planted/heated (not a goldfish tank)?

[southpaw]

Shouldnt be a problem at all... any little bit of established media helps quicken the cycle.

[jm1212]

10 gallons isnt really enough for a goldfish. it is probably better for him to be in the 75 and then a small tropical community in the 10 gallon

[WaterBug]

I appreciate your concern for my goldie. However, I do have a bigger tank to put him in, and I will be setting it up as soon as I get my $1200+ stack of medical bills paid off. I have had him for 2 years and when he needs something, I get it for him. I do not neglect my animals. Sadly, money is the ultimate dictator in situations like this. But rest assured, he has a bigger house waiting in the wings. :D

And thank you southpaw for that bit of reassurance. I was thinking it wouldn't be a problem, but I thought it better to ask than to assume.

[Rbishop]

When you move some of that media over to the 75, ensure you feed it to prevent it from dieng off. And watch how much you move from the goldie tank, so you don't miss a mini cycle there.

[WaterBug]

Thanks for the heads up. And feeding it would be with flakes? or some other decomposing item? (I have read the articles on cycling several times...the "flake" issue was one I am needing clarification on.)

[Rbishop]

Yes fishie food would be good. A light fish load would also be okay, or some ammonia if you are doing a fishless cycle.

[2weasel2]

What seemed to work for me was putting some gravel from the established tank in some stockings, put this in the filter and some just sitting in the tank. Fish food for ammonia... just drop a pinch in and watch it rot... This way got the tank fully cycled in 2 weeks.

[WaterBug]

Thank you both! I think I have it now..I just want to be sure and do this the right way so as not to put any fish to harm. (contrary to the opinion of those at my lfs. >_<)