An idea for cycling.

[asukabetta]

I know I ask in another thread, but I had a thought. Can I cycle a smaller tank, then transfer the filter to the main tank? That way my fish can live in the bigger tank already and I do not risk killing any fish with a fishless cycle with food.

My the end of the week I should have the water testing kit so I will be able to start soon.

I also need to know the params that will tell me when the tank has been cycled.

[registereduser]

That is how to instantly cycle a tank. It's called "seeding" the tank (with established BB). You might want to put about 5-10 pellets in the new tank in order for the BB in the filter to have some ammonia to eat. Do this a few days before adding fish.

[asukabetta]

Originally Posted by registereduser

That is how to instantly cycle a tank. It's called "seeding" the tank (with established BB). You might want to put about 5-10 pellets in the new tank in order for the BB in the filter to have some ammonia to eat. Do this a few days before adding fish.

So i can put it on a non cycled tank, cycle the filter (i know most bacteria lives there) then transfer the cycled filter to the main tank (that will already have fish?)

[registereduser]

Originally Posted by asukabetta

So i can put it on a non cycled tank, cycle the filter (i know most bacteria lives there) then transfer the cycled filter to the main tank (that will already have fish?)

So you want to bring the entire filter to the new tank? I don't see why not. There will be plenty of ammonia from the fish there for the BB to eat.

[asukabetta]

Originally Posted by registereduser

So you want to bring the entire filter to the new tank? I don't see why not. There will be plenty of ammonia from the fish there for the BB to eat.

cool thanks so much!!! :D I was worried!

[Wendyjo]

Yes - you can move the whole cycled filter over to the tank with the fish in it. How many fish are in it - just one?

You will know the tank is done cycling when you have 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites, and readable nitrates for a few days in a row even when the source of ammonia is still there.

[Shrimpsta]

I had the same idea. xD