Tank Cycling Question - Moving Filter

[xscape]

Hi All,

I've been running a 20 gallon tank for a couple of months now, and have recently purchased a 55 gal.

Set up the 55 gal yesterday: put in some sand, installed the new cannister filter and heater.

Would it speed up the cycling process if i ran the filter from the 20 gal (hang-on style power filter) in the 50 gal tank, simultaneously with the new cannister filter? If so, how long do you think it would be before i could remove the smaller filter and let the new filter run independant?

I know that some would say to put some media from the old filter into the new one but they are totally different styles.

Thank you in advance

 

[voo]

If the media is different, get some tank water and squeeze/rub the two media's together. That should transfer some of the bacteria across. Also as you suggested, running the old filter together with the new filter will help the cycling process - leave it running for a couple of weeks at least. When you do decide to remove it, just keep an eye on your ammonia/nitrite levels. You may need to remove half of the filter media, let it settle, then remove the other half a few days later.

 

[DoyouWantsum]

Yep run both filters together for 3-4 weeks.

 

[xscape]

thank you!

was hoping it wouldnt be that long but oh well, will do!

 

[xscape]

thanks guys for this assistance approx 3 weeks ago.

i currently have cloudy water in the 55 gal, and im not sure why.

i believe it is fully cycled (no longer running the smaller filter, but my ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels are in check - 0, 0 and 20ppm). PH is 7.6 to 7.8. current occupants are four 2" and one 4" psuedo acei (malawi cichlids).

the water looks clear from front on, but looking sideways down the 48" of water, you can tell that it is not crystal clear.

i was wondering if this is normal?, and will it cure itself in time? is it possible but a few uneaten pellets sucked into the cannister filter can be causing this?