New 20 Long Build!!

[abrage22]

Okay so I've found my first ever tank to be a complete failure, so I'm taking what I've learned and am starting a planted 20 gallon long. I'm sure I'll have many questions, thanks to anyone who helps me out! I'll update as frequently as possible.

I just got done cleaning my sand and filling up the tank, I'm using pfs.

 

[abrage22]

I'm going to use some media from my current tank to cycle. Can I use the biomax from the aquaclear? Or will using some of the poly fill in their be better?

 

[jlk]

Have you decided on how your going to cycle the new tank yet (fishless or fish-in)? The cycled media will help jumpstart your cycle as long as its coming from a established tank. If its a tank with fish, you will need to watch it for spikes in amm/nitrite because you will be removing good bacteria. The biomax or polyfill will work- up to you & what you can fit in the new filter. Dont hesitate to ask questions!

 

[abrage22]

So it won't completely cycle with just the used media? The other tank does have fish so I'll keep an eye on the levels, I did take out the biomax.
The new aquaclear I put on us super loud, hopefully it quiets over time. Also, ive got a spare 150 watt heater, is that too strong for a 20 gallon?

 

[jlk]

What size is the other tank & how is it stocked? I can not help you with heater because I do coldwater tanks but Im sure someone else can advise! My best guess is if its an adjustable heater, it should be ok but Ill let someone else clarify this.

 

[abrage22]

It's a 29 bowfront. I've got 4 cardinal tetras, 5 serpae tetras, 4 zebra danios, 5 peppered cories and a scissortail. I'll move everything except the serpaes to the new one.

 

[jlk]

Thanks! Ok, you will just need to monitor both tanks daily to make sure everything stays stable. If you see any spikes in ammonia and/or nitrite, you will just need to stay on top of your water changes until everything is established. Good luck!

 

[Mumma.of.two]

150w heater will work but IMO you only need a 55w. If its adjustable it's fine to use. Be aware that if it malfunctions it will get VERY hot and could 'cook' your fish.

 

[abrage22]

Right, that's what worries me. Aqueon seems to be pretty reliable though...

 

[abrage22]

I think I'm gonna go with this light here, unless anyone has a better suggestion. I'm looking for medium-ish light.

Aqualight with Colormax & 6700k Fluorescent T-5 Lamps - 18W - 30 in.

 

[abrage22]

I just thought of something, couldn't I put my new filter on my established tank and have the two on the same tank, and move it to the new tank once it get's some good bacteria in it? Wouldn't that basically instantly cycle it?

 

[Mumma.of.two]

That would help seed it. Wouldn't instantly cycle it to support a full bioload but a few fish, yes.

 

[abrage22]

Ugh I got this film building on top of the tank, obviously the water is just sitting there for now, not even sure why I filled it up already, it's made a mess now that I mixed it up.

 

[abrage22]

Will a seeded filter lose its beneficial bacteria if its moved to the new tank where there wont be fish/ammonia in there for a couple days?

 

[jlk]

I'm not quite sure I understand what your asking- what exactly are you moving from a cycled tank to a new tank and why if there are no fish? What happens to fish in cycled tank? What are you trying to accomplish?

 

[abrage22]

Ooops I meant filter

 

[jlk]

So you want to move a cycled filter to an uncycled tank. No sense in doing this until you have a source of ammonia to keep bacteria fed- be its fish or bottle of amm.

 

[abrage22]

But will the bacteria survive for a day if I get ammonia tomorrow??

 

[Tcal01]

But will the bacteria survive for a day if I get ammonia tomorrow??

They should yah. They are pretty Hardy little guys. Just keep the filter wet

 

[abrage22]

Yea it'll stay wet, it's running in the tank. Thanks!