upgrading without cycling ... Ok or no?
- Thread starter elliriyanna
- Start date
I've done this several times when upgrading to larger tanks. As long as everything is kept wet to preserve the BB, it's always worked out great for me.
Worst case scenario (in my experience so far) is creating a mini cycle that lasts no more than a couple days. Hit the tank with some Prime when the water parameters are slightly elevated, and the mini cycle is practically a non-issue.
Worst case scenario (in my experience so far) is creating a mini cycle that lasts no more than a couple days. Hit the tank with some Prime when the water parameters are slightly elevated, and the mini cycle is practically a non-issue.
I've had this site bookmarked for years. Great resource, though there are a few sizes that have become fairly common that it doesn't include.
I did notice that, as well. i think it's just a case of it being not updated an annual or biannual basis.
I've done this literally tens of times. This is how I go about it:
Scenario #1, old tank to new tank with NEW filter on NEW tank
1) Put the fish in buckets or wherever you keep them for the interim period between placing them in the new tank.
2) Add substrate and decorations for new tank (if not using old substrate established with bacteria, substrate from old tank then go to #4 right quick).
3) Match new water for new tank with temperature of old water from old tank while filling new, larger tank. Dechlorinatorrrrr!
4) Run, or place in tank somewhere, old established filter media from old established filter. Yes, I use the word established a ton. It is extremely important. If using a new filter or new substrate this is vital for the health of your fish because bb does not live in mass quantities in the water itself. Leave the old media in the tank and check levels and parameters daily. I leave it in there for around a week just to be safe because I have incredible ocd regarding my fish.
Scenario # 2, old tank to new tank with OLD established filter
Just do the move...if you are adding a new filter with new filter media or new substrate then I would fast the fish for two nights and a day before the move, then the same for the period after, as he said. This well help in not overpowering your new filtration. Adding fish slowly can help too, I suppose, but AIN'T NOBODY GOT TIME FO' THAT!!! Had to...sorry...
Jeeze...I think that's it.
:cheers:
Scenario #1, old tank to new tank with NEW filter on NEW tank
1) Put the fish in buckets or wherever you keep them for the interim period between placing them in the new tank.
2) Add substrate and decorations for new tank (if not using old substrate established with bacteria, substrate from old tank then go to #4 right quick).
3) Match new water for new tank with temperature of old water from old tank while filling new, larger tank. Dechlorinatorrrrr!
4) Run, or place in tank somewhere, old established filter media from old established filter. Yes, I use the word established a ton. It is extremely important. If using a new filter or new substrate this is vital for the health of your fish because bb does not live in mass quantities in the water itself. Leave the old media in the tank and check levels and parameters daily. I leave it in there for around a week just to be safe because I have incredible ocd regarding my fish.
Scenario # 2, old tank to new tank with OLD established filter
Just do the move...if you are adding a new filter with new filter media or new substrate then I would fast the fish for two nights and a day before the move, then the same for the period after, as he said. This well help in not overpowering your new filtration. Adding fish slowly can help too, I suppose, but AIN'T NOBODY GOT TIME FO' THAT!!! Had to...sorry...
Jeeze...I think that's it.
:cheers:
i just did a 55 to 125 and was only slightly successful lol. A prettty big jump for me though.
about a week long mini cycle for me.
but you definitely wont have to fully cycle your tank for a month. just keep an eye out and test.
about a week long mini cycle for me.
but you definitely wont have to fully cycle your tank for a month. just keep an eye out and test.
I have a 40 long in storage but no room for it currently ... I am upgrading to a 20 gallon ... It will be a few years before I can get the 40 up and going. I would LOVE a 40 breeder but why spend more money than I have to? LOL Sorry I have been busy.
As long as you use the same equipment, substrate, etc. And you do not add a ton of new fish immediately you will be fine. I went from my 50g to a 125g and I didn't have any issues with ammonia spikes / mini cycles.
The bio load will not change so the bacteria that is already established will do the same job it always has. The mistake people make is when they wash out their filter media, install new filter media or install a lot of new fish immediately causing a strain on the tank and the bacteria cannot keep up.
The bio load will not change so the bacteria that is already established will do the same job it always has. The mistake people make is when they wash out their filter media, install new filter media or install a lot of new fish immediately causing a strain on the tank and the bacteria cannot keep up.
Nope this is only for my Axolotl they are the only two inhabitants the tank will ever have 
So hopefully Since they are growing the bacteria will grow as their ammonia output increases.
I should wait about 2 months before I upgrade them to give my tank some more time to establish.
So hopefully Since they are growing the bacteria will grow as their ammonia output increases. I should wait about 2 months before I upgrade them to give my tank some more time to establish.
