Got my 55g yesterday! YAY!

stephybabe88

stephybabe88

AC Members
Aug 8, 2010
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18
Texas
So I got a 55g tank yesterday, by brother-in-law is building the stand and lights for it today, and I am sending payment for filter and heater today. Hopefully I could be set up this weekend. :) I am very excited, and I am sure my fishies will be too when they get moved into their new spacious home.

2 questions though: Can I start cycling with out filter and heater? And my brother-in-law is building the lights for me using LED's. Any input on that?

I am also open to plant suggestions, as I think I have the stocking situation under control - although I will have an empty 10g after everyone gets moved.

I am planning on starting a "journal" of this tank for my own record (since I know that 55g is nothing compared to some setups I have seen on here :silly:) so will post some pics as it comes along.
 
nope, you do need a filter and heater to start cycling, so that the bacteria get used to your tank settings. If it stays around the temp you want the tank at naturally, then make a DIY sponge filter and you can start cycling using that.
 
If you're upgrading from a smaller tank and moving all of the fish, you can just run the old filters and new filters on the tank together for a several weeks and shouldn't even need to worry about cycling it. Even if you're not doing this, when you start the cycle, move a little of the filter media from your current filters into the new ones and the cycle will go much faster.
 
You can start the cycling so some bacteria will be present in your substrate if you already have it. If not, transfer your old filter, heater and substrate for now in your 55. There might be a mini cycle, but just don't add fish for a few weeks that way things can stabilize.
 
Old filters and such work magically with new tanks. If you are using your old tank for something and have any friends in the hobby near you, get some of their substrate, water, or bio-filter media and toss it in your new, unestablished tank with the new filter and such. That will help with nitrite, nitrate, and ammonia levels and such. Also, don't be hasty when adding new fish. Drop in a few fish a day after the water levels have mellowed out.

I've never used LED's personally so I can't banter on about that, sadly. But either way the kind of fish and plants, if you choose to have live ones, that will inhabit the tank depends on which type of light to use.
 
If I haven't received the filter and heater by saturday, then I think I am going to move everyone, with the filter and heater from the 10g, along with some of the decorations, and possibly some of the substrate in a panty hose (new substrate will be natural brown and the 10g currently has blue) Then it will only be running with the 10g filter and heater until I get the new ones, and I will just add the new ones on. I am not planning on adding any new fish for a bit. But the first one will be a buddy for my cory.
 
stephybabe88 said:
If I haven't received the filter and heater by saturday, then I think I am going to move everyone, with the filter and heater from the 10g, along with some of the decorations, and possibly some of the substrate in a panty hose (new substrate will be natural brown and the 10g currently has blue) Then it will only be running with the 10g filter and heater until I get the new ones, and I will just add the new ones on. I am not planning on adding any new fish for a bit. But the first one will be a buddy for my cory.
Click to expand...

Kinda sounds like you dont want to use the existing substrate. If so, dont even bother as it sounds like more work. Your old filter is plenty, especially if it's just 10g stock going into a 55g.

Like they said, run both old and new(when you get it) for a few weeks then simply remove the old one, throw it back on your 10g for a hospital if you want one.
 
I agree aout running both for awhile. Once you get the tank going and start seeing a little algae your good to go.
 
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