upgrade questions

[dave76]

I have a 55 gal, I am going to buy a 125 gallon next week. Should I set the 125 up new and cycle or should I just transfer everything in the 55 to 125? Any suggestions on this? My cichlids need a new bigger home. I am just worried and I dont want to kill them or even have them go through unessesary issues with contaminants, any advice is appreciated :)

[DarthV]

Are you adding any extra fish ? If not, just moving over your established filters should be enough for biological filtration. You might want to bring over some of your current water just to try and keep the chemistry the same between the tanks.

[scott]

When I set up my 150 I ran my cannister on my established 90 for a month to buil up bacteria. I put it on the 150 with two brand new AC's and gravel etc. I added 5 giant danios. Did water tests twice every day and never once registered ammonia or nitrite. I added the festae and still have never registered ammonia or nitrite.

[dave76]

no I am not adding any fish, at least not now, should I move the substrate as well, or at least the top inch of it?

[scholar]

I am assuming that you will be using the same tap waer. Then do not bring any water. You just have to make sure that the temp is the same. This way the water si cleaner.

Bringing everything except thew atrer and the junk and the debri is safest. However , you just need to bring over the filter. Feed the cichlids half rations for a couple of days is agood safety measure also.

I have doen this many times and never had any problem withnot bringign the Water over. IF you do UGF, then bringing the gravel is mighty important. it is the filter. Otherwise no.

Enjoy, :)

[dave76]

the setup currenly does have a UGF but I dont not intend to use that as a method of filtration in my 125 gallon, nor are ugf's ideal for cichlids. It has been disconnected for about 3 months now without powerheads attached. I have been waiting for an excuse to remove the UGF and now is the best time. Thanks for your advice in regards to upgrading my tank. I cant wait:D.

[DarthV]

If you're not going to add any fish in for a while, just do a fishless cycle in there with your new filtration... start cycling about 10-15 days before you plan on adding fish. The bacteria in your current substrate/filters will go dormant if they don't have any ammonia or nitrite to sustain them.

[Tightdog1]

i would move most of the water from the 55g and the filters also. and just fill the rest with tap water (treated). and the gravel is not necessary as long as its clean.

[dave76]

I did the upgrade yesterday and am happy to report that everyone survived and is very happy :D. I found a 100 gallon with stand, glass tops, canopy, and lights for $499 couldnt pass it up. I am going to try and borrow a digi cam. If I can get a hold of one I will post pics later.