Upgrading To 200L Tank - Fresh Water

[TraceyB]

I have recently upgraded to a 200L tank and it is on its 3rd day of its fishless cycle

It is stocked with live plants/ sand substrate (and a little gravel from the old tank) I transferred a pump with bio media from my existing tank.

I have added the nutrafin bacteria and feeding it a little food/ temp 26.5c

Testing the levels (API testing kit) this morning reads

Ammonia between 0.25 -0.50ppm
Nitrites 0.00ppm
PH 6.0- 6.4

The Nitrates on checking the colour chart is a very dark yellow

Added a little bit more feed to maintain the ammonia levels.

I have read that you can add Ammonia, and I do have a bottle of Jeyes ammonia in my cupboard which I am reluctant to use as

1. Not confident in the amount I should use
2. Would it not be damaging in the long run to the the filter?


My question is really this, when do you know what stage you are at in the fishless cycle .....


Thanks in advance

Tracey

 

[phoenix2081]

I have read that you can add Ammonia, and I do have a bottle of Jeyes ammonia in my cupboard which I am reluctant to use as

1. Not confident in the amount I should use Try using the calculator http/www.fishforums.net/aquarium-calculator.htm Enter in the details and it tells you the amount to add

2. Would it not be damaging in the long run to the the filter? I am not sure on what the quesstion is here. A fishless cycle and adding amonia doesnt hurt or damage filters it sets them up with the bacteria needed.


My question is really this, when do you know what stage you are at in the fishless cycle .....

Have you thought about using your old media in your new filter and thus being cycled immediately (or near enough).

Mitch

 

[TraceyB]

I have read that you can add Ammonia, and I do have a bottle of Jeyes ammonia in my cupboard which I am reluctant to use as

1. Not confident in the amount I should use Try using the calculator http/www.fishforums.net/aquarium-calculator.htm Enter in the details and it tells you the amount to add

2. Would it not be damaging in the long run to the the filter? I am not sure on what the quesstion is here. A fishless cycle and adding amonia doesnt hurt or damage filters it sets them up with the bacteria needed.


My question is really this, when do you know what stage you are at in the fishless cycle .....

Have you thought about using your old media in your new filter and thus being cycled immediately (or near enough).

Mitch

Hi Mitch


Re - the ammonia and damage to filter, I did question that to myself.

I have added a pump with old bio media are you thinking I should take one of the Filters out of my established fish tank and put it into the new pump ??

If I did that how would I know, testing wise, when it safe to transfer my fish?

 

[phoenix2081]

I have just set up a 190 tank after upgrading from a 60L.


These are the 2 methods I tried one while waiting for responses on here and one was my own plan.


1st method (reccomended by this forum)

It all really depends on the old filter and the new one.I transferred from an external hang on to a canister with 3 boxes for media. I just took my old media and put 2 out of 3 into the canister filter box. This should contain enough good bacteria to get the tank going and to keep the fish from ammonia and nitrite poisoning. I then put all my fish straight into the new tank. I have then replaced the old media with new media in my old filter with the 1/3 left to help the other two along (as I am running a shrimp tank and have a low bio load).

I would reccomend doing the same if you have the ability to do so. If not the method I was doing before cuting my old media was to attach the external to the new tank with the new filter running too. I think from reading your post this is what you are doing? Running the pump with the new filter to help it along?

If that is the case then it shouldnt take too long maybe a month for the new filter to catch up with the bacteria at the most. But every tank is differant just use your API master test kit and test 2 times a day I would say. Once in the morning and once in the evening. If the readings are ammonia 0 nitrite 0 and nitrate 40-80. Then you are cycled and remove the other pump and allow the new filter to work. When you do this keep a check on your readings as you will be able to monitor and see if the new filter is set up as the ammonia or nitrite will increase in which case re add the pump and do a big water change.

I would definately reccomend cutting your old media and using it in the new filter though as it will make the new filter cycled immediately.

I hope this helps and good luck.

Mitch

edit: forgot to mention if you put your old media into a new tank with no source of ammonia then the bacteria will die so if you go for that method either fish straight in or use household ammonia as a supplement.

 

[TraceyB]

I have just set up a 190 tank after upgrading from a 60L.


These are the 2 methods I tried one while waiting for responses on here and one was my own plan.


1st method (reccomended by this forum)

It all really depends on the old filter and the new one.I transferred from an external hang on to a canister with 3 boxes for media. I just took my old media and put 2 out of 3 into the canister filter box. This should contain enough good bacteria to get the tank going and to keep the fish from ammonia and nitrite poisoning. I then put all my fish straight into the new tank. I have then replaced the old media with new media in my old filter with the 1/3 left to help the other two along (as I am running a shrimp tank and have a low bio load).

I would reccomend doing the same if you have the ability to do so. If not the method I was doing before cuting my old media was to attach the external to the new tank with the new filter running too. I think from reading your post this is what you are doing? Running the pump with the new filter to help it along?

If that is the case then it shouldnt take too long maybe a month for the new filter to catch up with the bacteria at the most. But every tank is differant just use your API master test kit and test 2 times a day I would say. Once in the morning and once in the evening. If the readings are ammonia 0 nitrite 0 and nitrate 40-80. Then you are cycled and remove the other pump and allow the new filter to work. When you do this keep a check on your readings as you will be able to monitor and see if the new filter is set up as the ammonia or nitrite will increase in which case re add the pump and do a big water change.

I would definately reccomend cutting your old media and using it in the new filter though as it will make the new filter cycled immediately.

I hope this helps and good luck.

Mitch

edit: forgot to mention if you put your old media into a new tank with no source of ammonia then the bacteria will die so if you go for that method either fish straight in or use household ammonia as a supplement.

I have already added some old media, so that should work a treat. I'll Keep checking the levels.. It's now a case of patience.. I know you mentioned you have already transferred your fish into your new tank, how did you do that... Was it a phased flit.. meaning bags and all that to adjust them as you would if you bought them from the shop?


Tracey

 

[phoenix2081]

I took the water that they were living in and put it into the 190 with water that was matched to the exact same temperature as the other tank (25.2C). Because it was the same temperature and contained the majority of the 60L water I just put them straight in. I could not tell you if this was the right or wrong method but my fish settled straight in and have had no problems since.

Like I said before good luck and keep us posted with the new tank. Are you going for hardscape or live plants? A mixture of both? What stock do you have and a picture would be great.

I always enjoy seeing a new tank

 

[TraceyB]

I took the water that they were living in and put it into the 190 with water that was matched to the exact same temperature as the other tank (25.2C). Because it was the same temperature and contained the majority of the 60L water I just put them straight in. I could not tell you if this was the right or wrong method but my fish settled straight in and have had no problems since.

Like I said before good luck and keep us posted with the new tank. Are you going for hardscape or live plants? A mixture of both? What stock do you have and a picture would be great.

I always enjoy seeing a new tank

If I did the transfer that way I will need to empty out a bit of my tank.. I have been watching the PH level in both and there is a slight difference at the moment, so that would be my main concern..... I wonder if I did it the way you have done then it might make the transition gentler I have changed to sand substrate and all live plants. Looking forward to them taking and filling the tank to give some coverage for my neon tetras....... This aquascaping aint so easy.. Give me delux and paint brush any day DIY is a squooosh in comparison..


My community consists of :

x6 Neon Tetras
x 3 Danio (gold and pearl)
x1 Red tail
x2 Pearl Gouramis
x1 Synodontis catfish


I have added a pic of the tank ... What you think?..... I didn't put anything on the back glass, do you think it needs it



Hence the need for upgrade of tank !!!

 

[Aqua Tom]

I took the water that they were living in and put it into the 190 with water that was matched to the exact same temperature as the other tank (25.2C). Because it was the same temperature and contained the majority of the 60L water I just put them straight in. I could not tell you if this was the right or wrong method but my fish settled straight in and have had no problems since.

Like I said before good luck and keep us posted with the new tank. Are you going for hardscape or live plants? A mixture of both? What stock do you have and a picture would be great.

I always enjoy seeing a new tank

If I did the transfer that way I will need to empty out a bit of my tank.. I have been watching the PH level in both and there is a slight difference at the moment, so that would be my main concern..... I wonder if I did it the way you have done then it might make the transition gentler I have changed to sand substrate and all live plants. Looking forward to them taking and filling the tank to give some coverage for my neon tetras....... This aquascaping aint so easy.. Give me delux and paint brush any day DIY is a squooosh in comparison..


My community consists of :

x6 Neon Tetras
x 3 Danio (gold and pearl)
x1 Red tail
x2 Pearl Gouramis
x1 Synodontis catfish


I have added a pic of the tank ... What you think?..... I didn't put anything on the back glass, do you think it needs it



Hence the need for upgrade of tank !!!

View attachment 66646

A background is always a good idea. 1 it makes the tank look better. 2 it makes the fish feel more secure.

Tom

 

[TraceyB]

I took the water that they were living in and put it into the 190 with water that was matched to the exact same temperature as the other tank (25.2C). Because it was the same temperature and contained the majority of the 60L water I just put them straight in. I could not tell you if this was the right or wrong method but my fish settled straight in and have had no problems since.

Like I said before good luck and keep us posted with the new tank. Are you going for hardscape or live plants? A mixture of both? What stock do you have and a picture would be great.

I always enjoy seeing a new tank

If I did the transfer that way I will need to empty out a bit of my tank.. I have been watching the PH level in both and there is a slight difference at the moment, so that would be my main concern..... I wonder if I did it the way you have done then it might make the transition gentler I have changed to sand substrate and all live plants. Looking forward to them taking and filling the tank to give some coverage for my neon tetras....... This aquascaping aint so easy.. Give me delux and paint brush any day DIY is a squooosh in comparison..


My community consists of :

x6 Neon Tetras
x 3 Danio (gold and pearl)
x1 Red tail
x2 Pearl Gouramis
x1 Synodontis catfish


I have added a pic of the tank ... What you think?..... I didn't put anything on the back glass, do you think it needs it



Hence the need for upgrade of tank !!!

View attachment 66646

A background is always a good idea. 1 it makes the tank look better. 2 it makes the fish feel more secure.

Tom

God and it's all set up ..... Don't know how easy it would be to fix it on now

 

[phoenix2081]

I use just full blue backgrounds. Pretty cheap but I have heard of people using bin bags.

Sounds nice the stocking. Bog wood to the right mopani in the centre? Thought about tieing moss on to them?? Could look good. However it is easier said than done lol.

 

[TraceyB]

I use just full blue backgrounds. Pretty cheap but I have heard of people using bin bags.

Sounds nice the stocking. Bog wood to the right mopani in the centre? Thought about tieing moss on to them?? Could look good. However it is easier said than done lol.

Yes I was looking at some of my plants and thinking of tying them onto it, as I know that the sand might not be sufficient enough for the nutrients as opposed to gravel......... I did look online to buy some moss I think that would look great... Would thread be OK for ties


Don't know about the bin bag set up though ..... I did put a cushion cover behind it to see how it would look with a backdrop.....

 

[phoenix2081]

thread is okay for tying it. I found it a nightmare but I think the flow of my tank / fish knocked the moss off. Going to attempt again with more thread.

You can get a good portion of moss on ebay I bought from a seller which wasnt great but if you go for one of the top sellers you should be fine.

I'm not keen on the bin bag idea too but I use all blue and have the background glue so no tape.

How are you going to get the tank away from the wall to get it on though?

 

[TraceyB]

thread is okay for tying it. I found it a nightmare but I think the flow of my tank / fish knocked the moss off. Going to attempt again with more thread.

You can get a good portion of moss on ebay I bought from a seller which wasnt great but if you go for one of the top sellers you should be fine.

I'm not keen on the bin bag idea too but I use all blue and have the background glue so no tape.

How are you going to get the tank away from the wall to get it on though?

I have read that fish line is good to use for securing plants onto wood or stones. Don't have any handy so I'll stick to thread and see how it goes.....

Now I tried the bin bag theory just to see how it would look and although I won't stick with that for a plan It did let me see just how much depth a backdrop gives to the tank....

I have enclosed a photo (just cause I've nothing better to do with my time and Emerdale hasn't started yet

Picture on next post as my computer is playing up

 

[TraceyB]

thread is okay for tying it. I found it a nightmare but I think the flow of my tank / fish knocked the moss off. Going to attempt again with more thread.

You can get a good portion of moss on ebay I bought from a seller which wasnt great but if you go for one of the top sellers you should be fine.

I'm not keen on the bin bag idea too but I use all blue and have the background glue so no tape.

How are you going to get the tank away from the wall to get it on though?

I have read that fish line is good to use for securing plants onto wood or stones. Don't have any handy so I'll stick to thread and see how it goes.....

Now I tried the bin bag theory just to see how it would look and although I won't stick with that for a plan It did let me see just how much depth a backdrop gives to the tank....

I have enclosed a photo (just cause I've nothing better to do with my time and Emerdale hasn't started yet

Picture on next post as my computer is playing up

 

[phoenix2081]

Looks good.

The thing about fishing line is it will ALWAYS be on. With thread by the time it degrades the moss should of attached. =]