Newbie question regarding bacteria and cycle.

[Kevin007]

Quick question: I currently have a HOB that is used for my 55G on a 10G as a temporary home for the fish.

I will need to move it back to the 55G which i just did a 100% WC, do i move the filter by itself and wait for like an hr or so to move the fish, or to move the fish and filter at the same time? thanks

[msjinkzd]

You can move them at the same time. Monitor your parameters on the tank for a week or so following, but it should be fine.

[Kevin007]

Can i leave the filter running there alone for 30 minutes or so before adding fish? My father for some reason think it is better to let the filter run alone for a while before adding the fish, while I am scared the lack of fish in the tank will kill the bacteria..?

[BoredAgain]

Can i leave the filter running there alone for 30 minutes or so before adding fish? My father for some reason think it is better to let the filter run alone for a while before adding the fish, while I am scared the lack of fish in the tank will kill the bacteria..?
30 mins would be fine...though there is still no reason to wait...tell him we said so. ;)

[Kevin007]

hahahah thank you bored again :)

[msjinkzd]

The bacteria won't die off that quickly. If you want to run it for 30 m inutes you can, the bacteria are housed inside the filter, so running it won't really change anything. If the tank is new, there will be nothing in it for the bacteria to convert. The fish will produce waste which the bacteria will convert. Are you breaking down your 10g? If not, please monitor that one carefully as well since you are removing the bulk of the bacteria to your 55g. Hope that made sense, lol.

[Kevin007]

The bacteria won't die off that quickly. If you want to run it for 30 m inutes you can, the bacteria are housed inside the filter, so running it won't really change anything. If the tank is new, there will be nothing in it for the bacteria to convert. The fish will produce waste which the bacteria will convert. Are you breaking down your 10g? If not, please monitor that one carefully as well since you are removing the bulk of the bacteria to your 55g. Hope that made sense, lol.

Thank you guys for the help. The 10 gallon is now closed down and everything is back in the 55 Gallon.

I hope everything will be alright! I basically have a filter that I havn't cleaned in 6 months in a tank with fresh new declor'd water.

[severum mama]

It won't be a problem. If you are having doubts, just keep a test kit handy. If you're still having doubts, just do an extra water change this week. :)

[wataugachicken]

any loss of bacteria (whatever was on the tank walls, gravel, decorations) from the move will be compensated by the extra water volume of the larger tank. i don't think you will see any kind of trouble with the cycle.