Cycling a new tank question

[myst79]

Hi all

My question is about cycling a new tank.

We are setting up a 20 gallon tank at my mom's house. I have a couple AC200s that will be used there.

I have a few tanks here at my house with fish. I was thinking of putting the AC200s on my goldfish tank so as to get some bacteria going on the sponges.

When we get the new 20 gallon set up-- I wanted to take the AC200s over there and put them on the new tank.

Could i then put fish in the tank right away?

I'm guessing the bacteria could only live so long without foodsupply from real fish. But would it be safe to put fish in there right away?

[JSchmidt]

If you keep the new filters on an established tank for 2-3 weeks, they'll become well-seeded with beneficial bacteria. They won't be able to support the same bioload that was in the established tank, but they will immediately support a smaller load in the new tank.

You're right that the bacteria couldn't go more than a day or two or three without food before they started declining in number. But you definitely can add fish to the new tank right away, just don't go overboard.

HTH,
Jim

[aquariumfishguy]

Forgive me, but I'm just a little confused (probably read that too fast!)...

What size tank will the Goldfish be in?

In a 20 gallon tank, you really only need one AC 200. It actually provides ample room for a good bacteria colony, and makes lots of disturbance in the water.

[myst79]

The goldfish are in MY tank. :)

The new tank will be a tropical one. Not exactly sure which fish we'll put in there yet.

I have the AC200s running on my goldfish tank now so it can build up some bacteria.


I was going to put two AC200s on her tank because I had the extra one laying around and it might help in keeping things clean there until she gets the hang of feeding properly/cleaning tank properly.

ty for help. :)

[TKOS]

I have 1 AC 150 on my parents tank and it makes more than enough current. I wouldn't put 2 AC 200's if I were you. For most tropical fish that is just way too much, IMO. I would just save the spare AC 200 as a back up filter.

Just make sure to keep the media wet on the trip over and most bacteria will make it. I am pretty sure that the bacteria can last for at least 24 hours before it starts to die due to lack of food.

[RHJ]

I wouldn't put 2 AC 200's if I were you
I agree. I also think it would create too much current. Even with one AC200 you still get a filtration rate of 10x.

[aquariumfishguy]

Originally posted by myst79
The goldfish are in MY tank. :)


Ok, but what size tank is the fish in? :confused:

[myst79]

My goldfish are in a 30 gallon. 4 fancies. Use an AC500 on that tank.

I think i'll just keep the second AC200 for myself then if you think one AC200 can handle the 20 gallon tank.

It will mostly have small fish, tetras and such, some corys and some kuhlis. Shouldn't be too big of a wastemaker.