Do I need to cycle?

[rob0829]

Do I need to cycle a new 20 gallon tank if I throw in about 5 lbs of gravel, a filter cartridge and some ornaments from an established tank? Can I just put this stuff in, add water, wait a day or so then put the fish right in without any worries?

 

[sharkluvr]

i would put in your substrate and filter. then let it cycle and test your water to make sure its safe before adding fish.Have you cycled a tank before??
If not read this link its got great info.

http://aquafacts.net/wiki/index.php/Cycling_a_Freshwater_Tank

 

[fballguy]

Unless you add an established filter to all that, you will still need to cycle, although it will be a pretty short cycle. If you use a brand new filter could you add some established filter media? That would be an almost instant cycle.

 

[rob0829]

Do I need to put the whole filter in from the established tank? Or can I just throw the established cartridge in the new tank?

 

[fballguy]

If you can put the established cartridge in the new filter that would be the best way. Just putting it in the tank will not help as much.

 

[jm1212]

it will only take a few days, but in that time you need to stock it like its a 5 gallon, because that is all your tank will be able to support. then, after about a week, you can add more fish, but SLOWLY, like 2-3 more fish.

 

[mostlycichlids]

you will have a mini cycle You can add fish after it has been srt up and to the temp you are seeking. other than that start adding fish just keep an eye on the levels you probabally wont see any ammonia or nitrite and should see nitrate right away just dont fully stock all at once.

 

[rob0829]

I think I can fit the cartridge from my established tank in my new filter along with the new media. Would that be just as good as putting the entire filter from my established tank in my new one? How long should I keep the cartridge or the entire filter in my new tank?