There is something about this cycle thing I just don't get. I have read the article and posts a few times. Please bear with me and don't laugh too much...
My established 10g's bacteria will be used to populate my new tank, probably a 75g but no less than a 55g. Assuming the new tank is set up properly and heater, larger filter, etc, are all humming along for 24 hours or so, can I just transfer my 10g filter (Fluval plus 2 -rated at 105g/h) and the fish to the new tank at the same time? I would not be adding any more fish until I was sure everything was stable again. (Eventually the Fluval plus 2 would be returned to the 10g for new fish QT). I do not like the gravel in the 10g so that will not be transferred, but all the plants, the coconut caves, the bogwood, and decos would go to new tank.
Questions: Does the increased volume of the new tank somehow "dilute" the bacteria colony? Are my 10g fish in danger by doing this quicky transfer? Should I throw bioballs in the 10g now to grow extra bacteria? How many for a 55/75g? Can I dispense with transferring the Fluval if I have enough bioballs?Then, can I do the reverse by putting the Fluval 2 plus back into the 10g and QTing a few fish at a time? Should the gravel in the 10g be discarded or washed before adding QT fish? I guess I am afraid that I will kill off my good bacteria somewhere along the line and be forced into a fishy cycle.
My established 10g's bacteria will be used to populate my new tank, probably a 75g but no less than a 55g. Assuming the new tank is set up properly and heater, larger filter, etc, are all humming along for 24 hours or so, can I just transfer my 10g filter (Fluval plus 2 -rated at 105g/h) and the fish to the new tank at the same time? I would not be adding any more fish until I was sure everything was stable again. (Eventually the Fluval plus 2 would be returned to the 10g for new fish QT). I do not like the gravel in the 10g so that will not be transferred, but all the plants, the coconut caves, the bogwood, and decos would go to new tank.
Questions: Does the increased volume of the new tank somehow "dilute" the bacteria colony? Are my 10g fish in danger by doing this quicky transfer? Should I throw bioballs in the 10g now to grow extra bacteria? How many for a 55/75g? Can I dispense with transferring the Fluval if I have enough bioballs?Then, can I do the reverse by putting the Fluval 2 plus back into the 10g and QTing a few fish at a time? Should the gravel in the 10g be discarded or washed before adding QT fish? I guess I am afraid that I will kill off my good bacteria somewhere along the line and be forced into a fishy cycle.
