Twinz

Hi, I just bought a used 40 gallon tank this weekend and I'm planning on moving everyone in my 29 gallon to the 40 gallon. Can I cycle the 40 gallon faster if I use the filter media from my 29 gallon? Also, right now I have 5 black skirt tetras, one platy, and two emerald cory cats in the 29 gallon, when the time comes to add more fish to the 40 gallon how many more fish can I add and what would be some good choices? Thank You!!

MissMTS

I have cycled tanks instantly by using filter media from another tank. That is the best way to go IMO. If you can transfer half of the water from the 29 gallon with some gravel that would help even more

As far as fish go you have 20 inches of fish which means you can add about 20 inches more. I would suggest getting two more emerald cory cats since they like to be in groups of 4 or more. You have very peaceful fish in your tank which gives you a lot of options for tankmates. You could add any of the following: tetras (I love gold tetras and cardinal tetras), dwarf cichlids (rams are beautiful), mollies, swordtails (1 male and at least 3 females), bristle nose pleco, gourami (pearls are gorgeous), yoyo loach, etc.

COBettaCouple

You could transfer the substrate, decor and filter media over with the fish. Just fill up the 40g and treat it first (leaving room for the decor). The water only has miniscule amounts of good bacteria at most and I like acclimating the fish to a tank of clean water.

When you want to use the 29g, you could run it's filter in the 40g for a week as well as hang some substrate in pantyhose socks in the 40g. Then transfer that filter and substrate over to the 29g.

I would recommend at least 2 more platys of the same type and at least 1 more emerald cory cat so they can each have 3 (or more), which will make them happier fish. Also 1 more black skirt tetra. If you're staying with all smaller fish, you can stock up to 40" (adult size) of fish in the 40g.

BigJoe

And then send me the 29g tank for further use :P i hate not having money... .. but already you seem to have an interesting tank..

Shawnie

was going to say the same thing but think the bf mite throw me in a tank if i get another