Cycled 5-Gallon, Want to Transfer to Bigger Tank

**Kezuki** · 05-02-2012, 09:24 PM

Hello! I am new here and to the hobby of fish keeping. Before I established my fish tank, I did as much research as possible. I have a fully cycled, 5-gallon tank. Here is my tank profile:

Ammonia: 0
NitrIte: 0
NitrAte: 25
PH: 7.5
Temp.: 78' F
Hardness: 175
Chlorine: 0
Fish: 3 half-inch Neon Tetras

I use API test bottles. I cycled my tank in two weeks with two bottles of Tetra SafeStart. Tetra SafeStart worked great for me. Numbers have been good consistently.

I have a 15-gallon tank I want to set up so I can get more fish. How can I safely cycle the 15-gallon tank? Should I use the 5-gallon tank's filter media? If so, how can I not affect the 5-gallon tank's beneficial bacteria?

Plus, what assortment can I get for my 15 gallon? I would like 2 male dalmatian mollies, 5 Neon tetras, and a few other fish/shrimps? Suggestions? Thanks!

**Cermet** · 05-02-2012, 09:33 PM

Put the 5 gal filter along with your new filter all on the new 15 gal tank. Add two to four new fish and measure ammonia/nitrite levels for a few days. If no spike, add fish until you reach your max. One thing, I am a little worried that the filter isn't fully cycled - two weeks is very, very fast - be careful.

**Cermet** · 05-02-2012, 09:35 PM

As for stocking - go to this site and put in the fish/filter/tank size. It will give stocking, total bio-load, water changes and other facts. Good luck

http://aqadvisor.com/AqAdvisor.php?

**Kezuki** · 05-03-2012, 12:15 AM

My 5-gallon filter supports up to a 13-gallon tank. Should I use this or my new filter that supports up to a 50-gallon tank for my upgraded 15-gallont tank? Thanks.

**Cermet** · 05-03-2012, 12:32 AM

Use the filter size/type in the program that you will use for the tank that wil lhouse all the fish - I assume that once the new filter (the larger one) is cycled, the old one (smaller) will be removed. If not, then use both in the programs.

**pjaldave** · 05-03-2012, 02:16 AM

i am not sure, but 3 neons might not be a good source of ammonia to start-up a cycle. Not too sure about the tank being 5G though.

Thing is, did you see ammonia went up and down, then nitrites up and down, and finally nitrates? If you just saw nitrates from the beginning, then there's a good chance that your filter is not cycled at all.

Someone might be able to explain this better. xD

**Lady Hobbs** · 05-03-2012, 05:03 AM

You "cycled" a 5 gallon with 3 neons and Tetra Safe Start? With 3 neons, you needed to do nothing but change the water a couple of times.

The amount of bacteria you have grown is soooooooo little that it isn't going to be of much help. 3 Neons don't exactly put out a huge pile of beneficial bacteria.