Help ASAP, need to decide if I want this new tank!!

[wellhellosmile]

Hey everyone- need some help!

I found a really great deal on a 90 gallon tank with stand, filter, light and maybe a heater... (is a 300 watt heater enough for a 90 gallon? If not, I have two 300 watts, what would you suggest I do?) If I switch everything (sand/decor/filters/media/fish/even the water) from my 55 gallon to the new 90 gallon, and just top it off with some new water, how long would it take to cycle or would it already be cycled immediately? I mean EVERYTHING would be transfered over to the new tank and it would be set up exactly the same way as it was in the 55... help! Also, I don't think that the sand I have in my 55 right now is enough to cover the bottom of this 90... so how would you suggest I introduce a new bag of sand to the tank? I would only need one more bag to cover the floor- should I put it in all at once? Do it gradually? Would adding more sand even have an effect on the tank at all?

I just need this new tank to cycle ASAP. It would have six discus in it along with 8 blackskirt tetras and 8 rasboras.

please reply as soon as possible because I need to tell this guy if I want to buy his tank!

Thanks everyone!

[jpappy789]

If you move all the same decor, substrate, filters (and media), and fish its practically cycled. I would say just monitor the params for maybe a week just to make sure there's no mini cycle. But it should be fine.

[Hebily]

Yes, as almost all the bacteria generally live in the filter, transfering everything to a bigger tank and not increasing the bioload should be just fine. You do need to keep an eye on params, cause some bacteria live on the tank walls, but it shouldn't be a problem. Is your filter big enough for the bigger tank?

Adding the sand all at once before you put anything else in the new tank will be just fine. The only possible negative side effect will be if you don't wash it well enough.

[wellhellosmile]

Perfect. I'll add all the sand at once and I'm well experienced in the rinsing process, haha! I believe the filtration is enough, it's a penguin 330 biowheel and an aquaclear 500. The one that comes with the tank is an emperor (not sure thr exact one) and I may be hetting and eheim 2213 canister. You tell me.

[Star_Rider]

I have a 75 with a sump and 1200 gph pump. to be honest the flow is not enough. there are dead spots in the tank and are a pain .
I added a power head with a pre-filter and am considering a canister.

a 90 is basically a tall 75..
I would , personally, add a canister.

[wellhellosmile]

Also: when I have the chance, can I rinse out all the sand, even the old sand? I'm not sure how much of an effect the sand has on the cycle so is it fine for me to rinse it so I'm sure the tank is really clean for the discus and there's no poop/leftover food mixed into the sand? Or should I just transfer it over? I try to do my best to keep it clean, but I'd love to clean it if it wouldn't be a problem...?

[jpappy789]

I agree, get a canister.

edit: the sand will contain some bacteria so I would not rinse with plain ol' tap water

[wellhellosmile]

If I don't have access to a canister filter immediately, is that sufficient filtration for now?

[wellhellosmile]

Because the aquaclear 500 is for a pretty large tank... then add a penguin 330 and an emperor that is set for the 90 gallon tank and possibly an eheim 2213 canister.

[fishman61]

Your 300 watt heater will be adequate for your 90 gallon tank. I use (2) 300 watt heaters on my 150 gallon. I never had discus, however, they do require a bit warmer water temperature

[excuzzzeme]

I use 2 Emperor 400's on my 90 and it is more than enough for pleco and Oscar. Heater is a single 250watt.

[yourchoice]

A 2213 is not a big filter(30g by itself).