Setting up this Saturday!

[Captain Hook]

I'm really excited about finishing up my exams this week so I will finally be able to set up the 20 gallon I have been planning. I had a couple final questions before setting it up.

1. I have heard it is good to start the tank with mulm from an existing tank (which I have). If I didn't do this and just added a couple fish would it not provide as much nutrients?

2. The reason I am hesitant to add anything from my existing tank is I am fighting the glass algae in it. You know the really tough stuff. If I bring over an established sponge from this tank will I also be bringing unwanted algae? Also, I can't see of anyway to add the mulm from this tank without adding tank water too, so I'm thinking algae will come with it and I don't want that.

[Leopardess]

I would just fishless cycle it ...that way you are certain nothing gets comtaminated, even if you think the tank is healthy.


Also, you'll get that glass algae anyway;)

[Captain Hook]

Leopardess I am planting it very heavily so I don't really need to worry about fishless cycling. I will still add fish slowly, right now I have 2 leopard danios that are going to go in first.

You think the glass algae is pretty much unavoidable?

[djlen]

If you have enough plants there will be what is called a Silent Cycle. Just add fish at a slow rate and the plants will take care of the rest.
"Glass" algae is present in almost all tanks and not really a big problem. Most of us know that from time to time we're going to have to clean the glass of this type of algae.
The mulm from another tank would help a lot, but as I said, with plenty of plants you can let it cycle itself.

Len

[Captain Hook]

Originally posted by djlen
The mulm from another tank would help a lot, but as I said, with plenty of plants you can let it cycle itself.


Thanks Len I figured the plants would take care of the cycling. This last statement confuses me. So you are still saying I should add the mulm from my other tank, even though I am battling glass algae in it?

[Starry]

You can't think about algae that way. It's not like it only gets in if you PUT it in. Algae will get in anyway, especially if you have another tank nearby and you're buying plants. You can't try to battle algae by avoiding "contamination." So add the mulm if you want to, and don't worry about the algae, it will come with or without the mulm.

[Captain Hook]

Ok thanks starry I will add the mulm to help start the tank off. I know algae comes and goes but I thought I might be seeding it or something. Anyways, thanks for the input and I will add the mulm and use an established sponge.