starting a new, larger tank - 29g freshwater

[tricolorgirl]

I currently have a 12g freshwater tank set up with happy fish including tricolor sharks, gouramis and a sand dollar.
I'm going to upgrade to a 29gallon, and want some advice on how to best start up (and then transfer) the new tank.
How long should I run it without fish in order for it to cycle before I put my old fish in it? Should I start it as if new, or use water/sand from my current tank?
all advice is welcome!
Thanks!!

 

[sweetsuvvyb]

Are you going to use a biowheel filter on your new tank? If so, I'd recommend running the new filter on your little tank, to colonize the wheel with your nitrifiers....Then you'll be able to move it to the new tank, with your fish, as soon as it's filled and set up, and achieve an "instant" cycle. If you're using any of the same decor from the 12 gallon (or even if you're not) you can put them in the new tank too, to help colonize it.

I don't think it would be very easy to transfer sand, and since the bacteria you want, aren't in the water, you might as well start with fresh.

Good Luck! Take pictures!

 

[ferret]

How many tricolor sharks (aka Bala Sharks) do you have? You'll definately want to do this upgrade as they get very large You may find yourself upgrading yet again further down the road for them.

I agree about the sand.. Replace it with new sand or gravel.

Remember to rinse off any new gravel before putting it in. If you have a good filter you can transfer like sweets said, you'll be set very quickly.

If you move the filter, try giving it 24 hours to cycle through the tank. Then it should be fine.

 

[tricolorgirl]

Tri color mania

I have two tri-color sharks, and I can't believe how big they've gotten in the past, already! if you've got them, too, what do you feed them? I've been feeding mine pellet food, granules, mainly. they don't seem to like flaakes much, either.

I am going to be usinig a biowheel, but sadly I dont think I can easilly use if on the smaller tank - I use Eclipse filtration hoods, and since the wheel itslef on the 29g is much larger than the 12g, I don't see how it would work. Any other suggestions?

 

[tricolorgirl]

biowheel help

well, I would love to do thhat with the filter, but since I use Eclipse hoods, the new biowheel on the 29g is m uch bigger, so I'm not sure it'll work. If it doesn't, what else would you recommend?

If I can get it to work, then if I use it on my current t ank for abouut a week, all I have to do is then move it to new water (treated with stress coat, for ex) and I'm all set??

 

[ferret]

I'd say just remove the hood temporarily, but those bala sharks will likely jump out >

Mine perished in a recent ammonia spike that no one understands how happened. I fed them regular tropical fish flake and they seemed happy enough, though the tank also recieved shrimp pellets for some bottom feeders.

Plan for them to reach at minimum, 7 inches. If given enough space to grow, upwards to 14-16 inches.

 

[tricolorgirl]

One more thing:

I'm in NYC, and am in need of a GOOD fish/aquarium store. Petco and the likes can drop off teh fac of the earth as far as I'm concerned!
Aany good ideas? Any equally good ones for on-line stuff?

THANKS!!