starting a 2nd tank--it is addicting!!

g. mcclean

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Mar 26, 2003
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I presently have a 46 gallon sw fowlr aquarium. We have been in operation for approx. 4 months and are hooked. We would like to start a larger unit--probably a 75 gallon. We are running aFluval filter system that has the bio-mass media in it. This is the area that the beneficial bacteria grow (so I am told). My question. In the process of cycling the new unit would it be helpful to the process to run the Fluval since it has beneficial bacteria alread growing?
 
Yep, but even better would be a scoop or two of sand (one to start, then another to reseed after the ammonia spike before the nitrites get really high, and maybe 2-3 small rubble bits.
 
Agreed, your sand is where the lion's share of the bacteria are. Adding a scoop will do wonders in reducing your cycleing time. My first damsel cycle took 9 weeks to complete, and I lost 66% of them. I later did a fishless cycle with a scoop of crushed coral from an established tank. Three weeks and 2 days later I was zero ammonia, zero nitrites, and good to go!
 
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