Dividing cycled tank

[Staciekarp]

Hey everyone.

I'm wanting to divide my 10 gallon tank but it's already been cycled (was planning a sorority; I think my two males need it more now though). If I remove all the water to add a divider will the cycle die? Is there anyway to prevent it from dying?

My two males are very active in their two gallon aquariums and one has started biting his tail (out of boredom, I'm guessing) so that is why I want to use it as a divided tank rather then a sorority one now.

Thanks.

[Littlebittyfish]

I believe from what I have read here on the forum it should be ok. Most of the Beneficial bacterial lives in the gravel/substrate and filter media.

[Littlebittyfish]

Depending on how long it will have to stay dry....
someone here will have a better answer soon.

[Staciekarp]

Maybe if I left the filter thingy in a bucket with some of the old water? Thanks for replying~

[coolcucumber]

You could put in the dividers which dont need the tank to be emptied. thats what i did.

[Littlebittyfish]

better yet, if you can fit the filter over the bucket side you could probably just leave the whole thing running (fill the cleaaan bucket with the tank water.)
Atleast, that is probably what I would do, but...I've been known to do things the hard way thinking it would be easier.

[Littlebittyfish]

Originally Posted by coolcucumber

You could put in the dividers which dont need the tank to be emptied. thats what i did.

This is probably the best idea.

I have had to much COFFEE tonight.

[Staciekarp]

Originally Posted by coolcucumber

You could put in the dividers which dont need the tank to be emptied. thats what i did.

D'oh. I didn't know I could do that, haha. Which dividers are those? I've only seen the ones where people glue those binder things and add the plastic mesh stuff to them.

[coolcucumber]

Yea, you can use the mesh ones, but you dont need to glue them in. or, they have the ready made ones at petsmart and petco.

[Staciekarp]

Originally Posted by coolcucumber

Yea, you can use the mesh ones, but you dont need to glue them in. or, they have the ready made ones at petsmart and petco.

Okay, I'll check them out. Thank you!