Water from another tank: Will it help my cycle?

[anonapersona]

overnight maybe

I suggest that you add the filter squeezings then the next day add the fish. That way the mess has a chance to settle but not long enough to die off. That works well with an unplanted tank, or with a planted tank that you want to stock right away.

To get a balanced tank that has minimal algae, add the plants first. In fact, the best way is to plant the tank and let it run with lights, CO2, and filters for 2 or 3 weeks with no fish and no fertilizers. You will see growth, but the colors may be weak. Then start adding fish, algae eaters first, otos, shrimp, mollies or whatever and don't feed them. Then add the decorative fish and begin regular feeding.

 

[JSchmidt]

I agree with anonapersona. Doing the filter squeezings a day before adding fish allows the water to clear. Even allowing several hours before adding fish makes a big difference.

I think adding filter squeezings is actually superior to using BioSpira. For one thing, squeezings are MUCH cheaper. Second, with filter squeezings, you generally don't have a nitrite spike, as has often been reported with BioSpira. Also, you can re-innoculate with squeezings from a different filter if you notice any ammonia or nitrites at all.

The downside, of course, is that you need access to healthy tanks to borrow the media from.

HTH,
Jim

 

[LuckyJGuy]

I have a tank to get the squeezings from, I just need to make sure it's healthy. The fish aren't dying and are in good health, so the water must be at least ok right? I heard I can take water down to PetsMart and get it tested, is this true? I would like to skip spending the $ on Bio Spira and go the free route. Do I put the squeezings before or after the plants?