cycleing a tank

**billy247777777777** · 01-29-2013, 11:23 PM

Hey guys ok I just got a 10 gallon tank I already have a fully cycled 10 and 20 gallon tank and I put the media from the new tank in my 20 gallon and I wanted to know how long do I let it sit in there

**Aeonflame** · 01-29-2013, 11:25 PM

If you just transferred the cycled media then thats it. Presto, instant cycle. Just make sure theres an ammonia source in the new tank within a day or two.

Edit: I seem to have read that wrongly. Yes, mommy1 is correct.

**Honey Badger 1** · 01-29-2013, 11:34 PM

It will take 3-4 weeks for the new filter to cycle on the old tank.

**billy247777777777** · 01-29-2013, 11:41 PM

Ok great thanks

**paras1989** · 01-30-2013, 05:47 AM

Note On Cycling: Set up the tank as instructed. However, before you add the fish, you must run the filters for a few weeks to let the tank settle and let the bacteria in the tank to adjust so the tank will be healthy for the fish. You should to let it cycle about a month.

As for power filers for a goldfish tank, I recommend a good canister. setup. It is costly to setup at the start, but a good canister and a hang-on the back power filter to act as a skimmer will keep a goldfish tank running well, and help keep the fish healthy.

Remember, goldfish grow fast and big. so if you can afford to buy a 55-gal tank setup, you're have good place for 3-5 goldfish. This is only a suggestion.

**billy247777777777** · 01-30-2013, 07:48 PM

also i put like 4 to 4 and a half gallons of cycled water from the 10 gallon i have now can i just put the media in now without waiting a month to let the media cycle?

**fishmommie** · 01-30-2013, 08:18 PM

Originally Posted by paras1989

Note On Cycling: Set up the tank as instructed. However, before you add the fish, you must run the filters for a few weeks to let the tank settle and let the bacteria in the tank to adjust so the tank will be healthy for the fish. You should to let it cycle about a month.

Just to clarify - this will only work if you are feeding your tank pure ammonia. A tank simply running with a filter will NOT grow bacteria that is beneficial to a cycle - no matter how long you run it. see the beginners section on fishless cycling for full explanation.

**fishmommie** · 01-30-2013, 08:22 PM

Originally Posted by billy247777777777

also i put like 4 to 4 and a half gallons of cycled water from the 10 gallon i have now can i just put the media in now without waiting a month to let the media cycle?

Your water does not hold beneficial bacterial. Your filter and filter media house all the BB so moving water will be of no use at all.
I noticed earlier that you said you took new media and placed it in the filter of your established tank. That will eventually grow BB that you can put in your new tank - as mommy1 said.
Had you thought, instead, about taking some filter media from your ESTABLISHED tank and putting it in your new filter and new tank? THEN you would have an instant cycle. But you would have to have extra media in your established tank for this to work or you would lose your cycle in THAT tank. Confused yet??

**billy247777777777** · 01-30-2013, 09:20 PM

Originally Posted by fishmommie

Your water does not hold beneficial bacterial. Your filter and filter media house all the BB so moving water will be of no use at all.
I noticed earlier that you said you took new media and placed it in the filter of your established tank. That will eventually grow BB that you can put in your new tank - as mommy1 said.
Had you thought, instead, about taking some filter media from your ESTABLISHED tank and putting it in your new filter and new tank? THEN you would have an instant cycle. But you would have to have extra media in your established tank for this to work or you would lose your cycle in THAT tank. Confused yet??

i dont think i can do the old media trick its a different power fliter and i dont have another cycled media

**fishmommie** · 01-30-2013, 11:56 PM

Originally Posted by billy247777777777

i dont think i can do the old media trick its a different power fliter and i dont have another cycled media

Well, it was worth a shot. 3 or 4 weeks will go faster than you think as your new media seeds in your established filter. will give you time to decide on your new fish :o_) good luck.

Another thought: Would you have a friend with a healthy, cycled tank who might have some extra media that you could use to seed your filter? If so - voila. instant cycle :o)