2 quick questions!

[Ian h]

Hey all,

So I have a new tank I just set up. I am running a new filter along with a cycled sponge filter. I've read that it can speed up the cycle, dies anyone know how long I should wait til my new filter is cycled? I am going to add fish next week(I've done a fish -in cycle with my 1st tank) .

Also what species of Pleco stays small? I can't find the one I was looking for.

Thanks ahead of time!

 

[Chaucer Ingram]

The only way to know for sure is to test. Doing so will will get you in the habit of testing so you'll KNOW what parameters you're working with.

I know what you mean. I'm freaked by the idea of growing a 2-foot monster common pleco. I bought two white plecos 15 months ago that seem as if they're going to remain manageable, about 8-inches max. I trusted my FS's recommendation since it was an impulse buy.

Good luck, Ian!

 

[the loach]

Most commonly found, bristlenoses in various colors, Peckoltia species and otos. Check www.planetcatfish.com before you buy...

 

[FreshyFresh]

Like said, you need a means to measure for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate to know for sure, but provided you're stocking with a bio load that sponge filter can handle, you should be good to go.

I know I've done it this way a bunch of times. Either using the sponge from a well seeded sponge filter in a canister, HOB or as the bubbler filter as designed. Instant cycle. Still need to check up on it with your test kit and be ready for water changes with a good dechlor like Seachem prime or safe.

 

[Ian h]

For sure!, I have PRIME and the API master kit. Checking every day twice a day, So far it's seems like its not cycled.... So I guess It needs more time? lol

 

[Chaucer Ingram]

Ian, you're cycling with fish in? Testing a daily? No fooling around, huh?

 

[Ian h]

My first tank I did a fish-in cycle with no losses. But I'm trying not to do a fish-in with this one lol I want to move my Redeyed Tetras into the new tank ASAP. 1 Of them is quite big and I feel needs his own tank with more Tetra like fish.
So my water readings after dosing prime (3hours ago) is Ammonia : 0 , Nitrite : 0 and Nitrate : 5

 

[Ian h]

Also, do you think it's safe to move fry in there? They are about 3-4 weeks old. 40+ in a 10 gallon they seem to want more room lol

 

[Chaucer Ingram]

Your numbers look good, though I know very little about fry. In all the time I've been into tanks I had a banded coral shrimp spawn years ago, but my wife killed that tank shortly after.

 

[fishorama]

Ian, you need to judge the amount of beneficial bacteria you "likely" have for you sponge filter vs your fishes' mass. That kind of means if you have, say 10 1/2 inch fry they'll likely have the same food in & ammonia output of 5 1 inch fish (more or less, that's why we test). It's hard to guess, but if you move a sponge that's housed 2 sponge filters & remove 1, you "almost" have enough beneficial bacteria for half the fish mass you had in the cycled tank. The BB grow quite fast & can double in 24 hours. Be ready to change water or add Prime as needed.

I hope that makes sense...