New Tank, Cylcling, Old Filter Media?

[Stoty]

Hi,

I recently bought a 60 gallon tank and an emperor 400 for a mbuna setup (might get additional filter as i get more fish). I also have an existing, and established 20 gallon community tank. I am going to introduce the beneficial bacteria (BB) via gravel, old filter media, rocks, and such that is in my 20 gallon. I have a few questions......


What should I do to start the cycle after i have put the existing BB in the tank? Should i use a fishless cycle (something i have never done) or should i add some type of hardy fish (non cichlid). I am leaning more towards the fish idea since there is already going to be BB in the tank, but I don't want to be cruel on animals. If I have to do a fishless cycle that is fine but I cannot find info on doing it with existing BB. If I have to go this route could someone help me? Which method should I use?

Also.........how should i set up the old stuff I am using on the new tank. I have 2 empty media compartments on my filter that I can use to put the cut up old filter media in. I can fill one compartment with the old stuff. Should i fill the other compartment with gravel? It is possible to put in but would it be a good idea? I was also told to pour bottled bacteria on the biowheels directly instead of the water. Obviously I put the rocks and such right on the sand. As far as the rest of the gravel goes..........I heard to put it in unwashed nylon stockings. I read that i should hang them near the filter intake, but i also read that they should be on the ground to colonize the new substrate (which is sand in my case). Any advice on any of this?

I do not want to rush this, I just want to find a way that is most effective as well as fast. I know with the old media, gravel, and rocks, it would speed up the process greatly. Bottom line............What should I do?

Thanks in advance

 

[minnnt]

Add as much cycled media as you can. Don't bother with the gravel, it contains very little bacteria that is of any use and it will be very messy when you move it.

Move the filter media and place it in the relevant place in the new filter.

 

[Overload]

There is no difference in the process of a fishless cycle with mature media than without. The benefit of the using mature media is that is speeds the process up.

 

[minnnt]

If i seed a filter, i usually add fish within a day then do a 50% water change the day after... never had any issues with stats or loss of fish.

 

[Stoty]

It is hard for me to find good info concerning this online. I get a whole bunch of different answers. Even on this forum itself. Some people say it only takes one day.

I am thinking of cycling with a fish or a few fish. Something hardy like black tetras. The guy at the LFS told me i could add 2 cichlids but i am not falling for that.

Here is another kick in the butt: the water company was doing work in my apartment complex this week. Tap water used to have a PH of 7.0, now it has a ph of 6.4 - 6.6. Perfect for mbuna. LOL. I got a bunch of seashells in there but they are only raising it to a 6.8. Lucky me.

 

[smithrc]

The bacteria in your existing filter has grown to deal with the waste produced by the fish in the tank...

If you move the filter media to a different tank, it is still established enough to deal with the original bio load.

So as soon as you move it it is able to deal with the same waste levels. In essence, it's cycled.

If you provide the media with less waste, it will start to die off, so you need to add fish (or ammonia) straight away to keepit alive.

If your transferring tanks, do it in one go, get the water in the tank and up to temp, move the filter across, then the fish.

If your starting a new tank, don't transfer all the media or you'll leave the original tank with nothing to build from. Split it in half, the bacteria will increase pretty quickly so you should be fine.

 

[Overload]

If your starting a new tank, don't transfer all the media or you'll leave the original tank with nothing to build from. Split it in half, the bacteria will increase pretty quickly so you should be fine.

It recomended you dont take more than 1/3 if you plan to keep the first filter running to reduce the risk of a mini-cycle

 

[minnnt]

Why do you think cichlids can't be added? They're a lot hardier than any tetra so would be a better choice!

I would also check the ph for the mbuna, I thought it had to be higher than 6.4 - 7.0?

 

[Stoty]

[/quote]I would also check the ph for the mbuna, I thought it had to be higher than 6.4 - 7.0?
[/quote]

Haha. I was being sarcastic. Mbuna need a high PH (7.8 - 8.5), so like an 8.2.

Cycling - I want to make sure I do this right and do not want to harm any fish. I was thinking of a fishless cycle. I am a bit confused. I have been doing lots of reading online and every method is a bit different. I need a step by step guide for cycling for mbuna. I say "for mbuna" because they need a high ph.

If someone could give me good step by step instructions, it would be a huge help and greatly appreciated. I never did a fishless cycle before. I started the cycle on my 20 gallon with 6 tetras and tap water, and after much reading, I do not want to do this again.

Right now i have my 60 gallon set up with all of the mbuna caves and sand with some seashells to raise the ph (should i take them out at this point?) and my filter running.

Along with all my material from my established smaller tank, i also have a bottle of bacteria supplimate. Could this also be used?

I do not need to rush this. I want it to be right. I spent lots of money on this setup during a double dipped recession.

Thanks

 

[elisew]

Not sure if it`s just me that is getting confused from your replies but.....

What is your ph? Seashells alone will not be enough to raise the ph IF it`s low. Are you doing a fishless cycle or are you actually wanting to seed from your mature media and get the tank up and running straight away?

Do you have any idea of the stocking that you`ll be looking at? What ratio will you be looking at with the sex and species of mbuna?

 

[Dieses Madchen]

For the pH problem, it was suggested to me to use very very very small doses of baking soda, as this raises the pH and is not toxic to the fish. If you do it in tiny amounts, and over a period of a few days, then you should be able to get the pH right to accomadate any fish. I would ONLY use this method if there are no fish in the tank, as adding to much could create a large spike in pH, which could potentially kill the fish (i have killed fish by spiking pH to high and to fast, do NOT repeat after me lol) If your tank is empty(without fish) and the pH isnt where you want it, I would use this method over any chemical method.

 

[Stoty]

My Ph is 7.4 right now. Not high enough. I am stocking Mbuna and a red tailed black shark. Im thinking 1 male to 3 females yellow labs, acei, possibly zebras. Ill have to see what they have at the store that works out for me.

What would be better? to cycle or seed and get it running right away? now im confused. lol