Advice on new tank set-up.

[Leftyroc]

I just picked up a 150gal all-glass and will be migrating my old tank. I have picked up a reverse osmosis filter and will be using this to fill the tank but with this do you think I will still need to cycle the tank and if so how long should I cycle it for? I am using 2 Eheim 2217 cannisters along with a penguin powerhead and 2 bio-wheels.

Also I have alot of fake plants and I am considering trying to use some real plants are there any recommendations on that? I am additionally now looking into what other fish I can add into the tank and work on getting some breeding pairs going.

Thanks for any help, it is greatly appreciated.

[cocoa_pleco]

cycling times vary, but cycling is always needed. Use pure ammonia to save fish. Theres a sticky on fishless cycling.


Live plants are the way to go. Ask CHRONA about a DIY CO2 system, or you can but one. You also needs 2 watts/ gallon of light for most plants.


Your filtration sounds good.

[Chrona]

I just picked up a 150gal all-glass and will be migrating my old tank. I have picked up a reverse osmosis filter and will be using this to fill the tank but with this do you think I will still need to cycle the tank and if so how long should I cycle it for? I am using 2 Eheim 2217 cannisters along with a penguin powerhead and 2 bio-wheels.

Also I have alot of fake plants and I am considering trying to use some real plants are there any recommendations on that? I am additionally now looking into what other fish I can add into the tank and work on getting some breeding pairs going.

Thanks for any help, it is greatly appreciated.

Yes you still need to cycle the tank. Follow the instructions for fishless cycling posted in the sticky and you will be done in about 7-14 days (normally)

You also need to pick up some Seachem Equilibrium, as you can't use pure RO water. Equilibrium will restore some buffering ability and some trace elements needed for growth (fish and plants)

Plants - big subject here. basically decide how much money are willing to spend. The more you spend, the better things look. Set a budget, and I'll lay out some possibilities.

With a 150g tank and RO water, your possibilities are endless. Discus with a giant school of cardinal tetras comes to mind. For breeding, dwarf gourami would be nice. Cories, rainbowfish, other tetras, rasboras, etc. All these fish would be suitable for a planted aquarium.

[Chrona]

And uh....I don't think DIY CO2 is practical for a 150g tank ;)

[Leftyroc]

Is there a benefit for using live plants with the Cichlids I currently have? I am going to make the 150gal tank a large cichlid tank. I am looking to work on trying to breed the cichlids and get some compatible fish to live with the Jacks I have. Thanks.

[cocoa_pleco]

live plants look cool, and reduce ammonia. Dont get plants you need to put in gravel with cichlids, as cichlids dig them out

Java fern and java moss are great beginners plants

[Leftyroc]

Is there a benefit for using live plants with the Cichlids I currently have? I am going to make the 150gal tank a large cichlid tank. I am looking to work on trying to breed the cichlids and get some compatible fish to live with the Jacks I have. Thanks.

BTW, I also do have two Dwarf Bue Gouramis in with the Jacks and my Convict(not sure if that is what it is).

[cocoa_pleco]

Dont the jacks go after the gouramis? the gouramis are slow and they make good targets

[Chrona]

For a cichlid tank, some java moss, anubias and java fern tied to rocks would be good. No need for CO2 or high lighting.

[kimmers318]

If I understand correctly, you will be moving existing fish into the new tank. Do you plan on transferring the gravel, decor and filter also? If you transfer the gravel, decor and filter you essentially also transfer all of the good bacteria in the old tank into the new tank and don't need to cycle. Another option is to run the new filter from new tank in the old tank for a couple of weeks for it to build up bacterial colonies. Then your new filter will be ready to go. Just remember though, you still need to treat it as a new aquarium and watch your water parameters and add new fish slowly as it will take time to build more bacteria to handle more fish.
If you go with the fishless cycling your tank should have enough bacteria to handle a full load. I have used the seeding method quite a few times and all has been well.

[Leftyroc]

Suprisingly the Jacks don't chase the gouramis I think because I keep the tank pretty cool so they aren't overly aggressive.

Thanks for the ideas on planting, you guys are great.

I do have a follow-up question about the cycling of the tank and the RO filter:
Does it have a great impact with using the RO filter? I am sure it does but the guy I got the filter from has had it sitting for almost a year and everything I have found states that I will need to get a new membrane for it, and I am having some issues with getting a new membrane at my LFS's and really don't think I can have my new tank sit for 2-3 weeks to get the membrane if I order it online and then a week of cycling. Let me know if it is best to really wait or just use the tap and treat with a aquasafe type product?

This is kinda frustrating as I am dying to start getting it running....:help:

[Leftyroc]

Kimmers:
Thanks for the advice. I will be moving the decor and rocks but I will be needing additional rocks as the new tank at 150gal is 3 times the size of my current tank.
I will be using the Ehiem 2217's(2) that came with the tank. I was wondering if I should replace the media in the cannisters from the previous owner. The tank was run by a guy in school for Marine Biology but he moved into a second story appartment in a house and couldn't use it do to the weight, but the tank was well maintained but with it in storage for almost a year I would think that the bacteria in the filters may be no good and I should replace the media for a fresh start?

Am I being overly obessive between this and the RO pump? I just want everything to be perfect and show quality as I have had a great tank for the last 6 years and want this one to be as good!!!

Also let me just say again that the users of this forum are great and friendly. This is very possibly best forum I have been part of. Thanks!!!!thumbs2:

[Chrona]

An RO filter is not neccesary, especially with fish that have adapted to your tap water as your current fish. The replacement membranes cost about 50-80 bucks depending on your model, so you may want to reconsider even using the thing. As for treating the water, Aquasafe type products are much more efficient. Most people use RO units to lower the hardness of the water. The activated carbon and water conditioner will take care of the heavy metals, etc.

The bacteria is all dead, and debris is probably encrusted on the media. You will probably want to soak the biological media (sintered glass chunks) in a 50/50 bleach solution for a few hours, or until the media turns white again. Then pour a bunch of dechlorinator on it and let it sit for another few hours. Note that this may cause the media to go alkaline for a while(not sure on this, since it's glass after all) so test the pH before putting it in the canister. Failing that, buying a new container of the Ehfisubstrat will work too. You definitely want to replaces the filter pads though. Give the Ehfimech - hollow ceramic cylinders - a good soak in water and rinse them out.