A Few Simple Questions

[gwugrad03]

Have had a 10 gal tank for quiet a while. After doing a lot of research I realize I have made many mistakes. For my B-day/anniversary my wife is getting me a 55 gal. I am so excited about the potential for a much larger tank. The idea of cycling is very new to me as well. When stocking a new tank I always went to the store bought 10-12 fish and poured the poor things in. I have learned that was a very big mistake. I currently have 3 fish in my 10 gal. I knew i was planning to upgrade so i haven't been interested in keeping my 10 gal stocked. I have 2 black skirt tetras and one neon. Will those 3 be enough to cycle the tank?
Secondly, I have made the mistake of leaving my light on too long. At one time i left it on for 24 hours a day. Which i think explains some of my algae problems. How many hours a day do most of you guys leave it on and is there any kind of timer available? any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[donna123]

hi,
tetra are not good fish to cycle with, can you clone the new tank with media from the old filter?
i have my lights on for 10-12 hrs , i use a house hold timer. enjoy your new tank all the best donna .

 

[Mimosa]

I would just buy a few Danio's to cycle the larger tank and keep the 10 gal going until you finish cycling. Like the other poster said, you should take some of the substrate from your old tank to help you speed up cycling the new tank. The old substrate should contain the beneficial bacteria you will need to grow in your new tank.

Any type of appliance timer will work for lighting. Just stop by a Home Depot, Target, etc. and you will find many types of timers to choose from.

-mim

 

[gwugrad03]

I would just buy a few Danio's to cycle the larger tank and keep the 10 gal going until you finish cycling. Like the other poster said, you should take some of the substrate from your old tank to help you speed up cycling the new tank. The old substrate should contain the beneficial bacteria you will need to grow in your new tank.

Any type of appliance timer will work for lighting. Just stop by a Home Depot, Target, etc. and you will find many types of timers to choose from.

-mim

thanks for your help. how much substrate should i put from the old aquarium to start a healthy colony for my new tank?