Cycling of a new tank

Discussion in 'Beginner Discussions' started by DesertConvert, Mar 3, 2011.

  1. DesertConvert

    DesertConvert Toad

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    Hi guys,

    I'm busy setting up my new tank and am wondering if I can use water from the old tank (from a water change) to start up the cycling? Or maybe run the new filter (HOB) in the old tank for a bit, together with the current corner filter to get the bacteria growing in the HOB?

    The old tank is approx. 16L and the new approx 100L.

    Thanks!
     
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  3. Vis

    Vis Gerhard

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    This will be better then putting old water in the new tank as very little bacteria resides in the water column
     
  4. OP
    DesertConvert

    DesertConvert Toad

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    And an 850L/Hr HOB won't be "too much" for such a small tank?
     
  5. Vis

    Vis Gerhard

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    Way to much :)

    Can you maybe put a small amount of material from the corner filter inside the HOB? That could also work.
     
  6. OP
    DesertConvert

    DesertConvert Toad

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    I'll give that a shot, thanks.
     
  7. Fish_fry

    Fish_fry

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    16l tank water to seed a 100l tank wont work, as suggested use the old media to seed. You might also benefit to check out all the products at your lps that helps with cycling. I use bio vital but im sure there's some better products out there. Also don't stock the 100l yet, get some cycling fish or use the fish from the 16l. Just my zim2c
     
  8. Vis

    Vis Gerhard

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    Apparently Microbe lift sels a product that cycles your tank almost instantly. @Henk Hugo
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 2, 2016
  9. zaqwsx15

    zaqwsx15

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    ive used tetra safestart on two brand new fishtanks (brand new as in bought from the shops straight off the shelf)

    both times fully cycled in less then two weeks.

    maybe i got lucky
     
  10. Fish_fry

    Fish_fry

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    Ya i've also heard about instant cyceling substrate, i think it's a bit to much of a wonder product too be true.
    That would suggest that the substrate be packed in buckets filled with water for the bacteria to live, wont the bacteria just die and the water go vrot?
     
  11. Henk Hugo

    Henk Hugo

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    Yup - MicrobeLift SpecialBlend. We had a wholesaler setup new banks of tanks and dumped 500 fish per 400L bank without any issues. No spikes what so ever
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 2, 2016
  12. Henk Hugo

    Henk Hugo

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    No it's not a bit much to believe. Ecological Labs, the MicrobeLift parent company, have been in the bacteria game since 1976 and manufactures a huge range of bacterial products. The Biologically Alive Substrate is a wonderful new product and yes it ships dry. http://www.microbelift.com/products...qaurium-products/biologically-alive-substrate

    The other seeded substrate - CAPM - i used in setting up my 2.5M tank. It prevents the substrate from going anarobic. http://www.microbelift.com/products...r-plants/concentrated-aquatic-planting-media/
     
  13. Zoom

    Zoom Retired Moderator

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    I used it with no problems.
    It's in my new tank now, fetching my babies this weekend.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Oct 2, 2016
  14. Vis

    Vis Gerhard

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  15. Zoom

    Zoom Retired Moderator

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    MY FISH!! They sitting with my sister at the moment. Decided it was less stressful for all involved to have the fish located at my sister's during the move and set up.
     
  16. Fish_fry

    Fish_fry

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    This product could benefit any planted tank, though they don't claim it will cycle a tank for you. The product i mentioned is eco-complete which is shipped and sold wet, they claim it will instantly cycle a tank. And i don't think any process can be sped up to be instant
     
  17. Fish_fry

    Fish_fry

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