queenbobby

hi right im setting up my 2nd tnk, im gonna tank 1/3 of the filter media from old external filter to my new filter, the bogwood and other rocks are to be transfered too.
im gonna try to add 50 % of the old water
when is it safe to add the fish...
clown loachs pictus angels etc,

aquarist48

Hello. If you're going to seed the new filter with media from the established tank and gravel and ornaments there really isn't a need to take 50% of the water too. The bacteria needed to cycle is not free swimming but attached to all surface areas. Since you are seeding the tank you can go ahead and add two fish at the most to begin with. Keep an eye on your chemistry readings ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. Then I would suggest adding a fish or two in a week or so. You don't want to overload your new cycle by adding too many fish at one time.

NOTE: Make sure your pH levels are close or HIGHER in the new tank. You don't want to move fish from a high pH to a low pH. Disaster and fish loss. Too, the temperatures need to be as close to each other as possible.