new cycle-less 25ga

[z71silverado98]

i am currently running a 1.5yr old 55ga. w/ no problems, and getting a new 25gal on mon.

is it possible to do a 35% (20g) water change on the 55g tank and use the old 20g + 5g fresh to fill the 25g tank. Then use gravel and filter media from the 55 to start the 25 w/ out waiting for it to cycle?

also just out of curiousity what is the largest percent water change that can be done safely?

 

[OrionGirl]

Yes, on the media and gravel, but don't use the old water--it will import wastes, not good bacteria. You'll have to stock slowly still--the imported media won't support a 'full load' immediately.

Done properly, you can can do the whole thing--just don't leave the fish out of the water. I prefer to to 3 back to back 50% water changes if there's an emergency.