Tank Seeding

[Silvani]

Is the bacteria in the gravel from a goldfish tank safe to seed other non-goldfish tanks with? I understand that they are very messy fish, and that they can be considered toxic to other fish. However the bacteria should be the same, if not stronger from all the ammonia they produce. Is a cupful of gravel, placed into a stocking safe to place in a tank for other tropical fish? Or will it be too toxic for them? I would like to do a fishless cycle on a 5 gallon tank and get a betta, and would like to be able to speed up that process.

I have had bettas before, however they were in 2 gallon tanks which had to be 100 – 90% water changes weekly. So would like to have one that I can just do 20% water changes on weekly.

Thanks

 

[sinistral]

It's safe to seed bacteria from a goldfish tank. You're correct that it's all the same bacteria. I'm certain it's a myth that goldfish are toxic to other tropical fish.

One thing about seeding tanks is that it doesn't always work. It doesn't work well enough though that it's worth trying. Good luck, HTH~

 

[SkiFletch]

One thing about seeding tanks is that it doesn't always work. It doesn't work well enough though that it's worth trying. Good luck, HTH~

I think he meant that it doesn't work well enough that its NOT worth trying. You should totally try and re-seed the tank, cause if it works it saves you boatloads of time as opposed to traditional cycling

 

[freddyk]

I've never in all my years of fish keeping failed with a seeded tank. Anything with a surface from an established tank will have bacteria on it - gravel (especially if it has a UGF), filter media (the best source for seeding) or any decorations. Adding the gravel or filter media to the filter, if it fits, ensures that lots of water passes through it in a short amount of time. The more you add, the better off you are.

 

[basia]

I just seeded my new Endler tank with a sponge from my son's goldfish tank, it has worked fine.
I originally seeded the goldfish tank with media from our tropical community tank also with no problems.
I also seeded my 10 gallon from the original tank and all of my individual Betta tanks.
It has always worked for me so good luck.

 

[Silvani]

Right on! Thank you all very much for your replies. I feel a lot more comfortable with this now. I appreciate all the feedback.

 

[sinistral]

I think he meant that it doesn't work well enough that its NOT worth trying. You should totally try and re-seed the tank, cause if it works it saves you boatloads of time as opposed to traditional cycling

Thanks for correcting my typo-- I meant "it works well enough though that it is worth trying". ) In other words, do it!

 

[cyprinut]

Good advice for others getting their first taste of MTS (multiple tank syndrome).