Nexxorcist

hey guys! remember me?? haha

So i've finally got my first tank (10 gallon), gravel, filter, heater, thermo, test kit, and even a bubbler! This weekend I will be receiving some cycled filter floss and a couple handfuls of gravel from my friend's established 55 gallon tank. Now here's where the confusion sets in for me.

He mentioned that in order to keep the good bacteria going, that I should get the fish (i've opted for 6 cardinal tetras and thats it), filter, gravel and put everything in there at once to help feed the good bacteria. I've been reading though that might kill the fish straight out because I'm guessing the tank won't cycle in a day.

So, without killing fish, how do I use the used filter+gravel to cycle my brand new tank, without killing the good bacteria? fish food? ammonia drops?

Also, I'm probably putting some java fern in there before I put the fish in. Will that cause my tank to cycle weird, or just do anything weird, period?

Lucy

Hi Nexxorcist
Your friend has a good point, if you add the seeded filter floss and gravel to your tank the bacteria does need ammonia to feed off of.

You should be able to add your fish right away. Be sure to test the water daily for a while to make sure there's enough bacteria to support the bio-load. It would be a good idea to add 3 cardinals wait a week or so and then add the other 3 so you don't overwhelm the bacteria.

If you want, you can test the bacteria by adding a little pure ammonia, if the bacteria processes within 24 hours, it's safe to add your fish.

I seeded a couple of my tanks this way. One cycled right away, the other took a few days and I had to do daily water changes until my readings were on target. (0 ammonia, 0 nitrites with some nitrates showing)

The java fern shouldn't effect cycling, although I think it helps to keep the nitrates down.

Goof luck.

Steen16

Put the gravel in a stocking,then drop it in the tank.
put the filter media in turn it on
put the fish in!

Barbrella

Can you also get a few gallons of water from your friend's tank? The gravel isn't really important as few bacteria will be on it.

IF you can get the water, and also have the well-seasoned filter floss (and you are close enough so it will still be okay when you get it home) then you should put fish in right away so the bacteria doesn't lack for food and die.

With used floss and used water, your tank will be cycled immediately.

Plants are a good addition and do help a bit with water quality.

Cardinals are quite sensitive though, so acclimate them slowly.

Lucy

I have to respectfully disagree with Barbella. The water contains very little bacteria.
The bacteria grows on surfaces...filter media, gravel and decorations.

Steen16

I agree with Lucy on this one.

Nexxorcist

oh wow, so i can do this the day of?? oh man, that makes me even more excited for saturday! haha!

one more quick question, i wanna get some decorations like rocks, statues, or possibly even drift wood. would i have to do anything to prep them before putting them in the tank?

Lucy

Just make sure to test your water daily and do water changes if there's any signs of ammonia.

Make sure your friend keeps the filter floss and gravel wet and warm before you get it.

Nexxorcist

also, putting the gravel in a stocking? i only wear socks. is that ok? lol. im curious tho, what if i were to just pour the gravel onto my gravel? we both use the same color gravel.

Lucy

Always rinse anything new you put into a tank. The new gravel could have tiny peices that'll float around in your water if you don't.

I don't have personal experience with driftwood, but from what I've read here on the forum, you should boil it until the water is clear.

I don't see any reason why you could pour the seeded gravel on top of your new gravel.
I think socks are too thick, that's why stockings are recommended.

Nexxorcist

I actually rinsed my gravel and put it in the tank, using a pasta strainer. however, when i dug my hand in there, i still noticed pretty small bits and pieces. should i give it a another rinse through?

Lucy

If you have water in it and it's not floating around, you should be ok. You're really wanting those little tiny sand like peices out.

Red1313

Panty hose are cheap pretty much everywhere (I think I saw them for a little over a dollar somewhere.) If you don't want to mix gravel that's the easiest way that I know of and it works well.

Alot of people on here recommend boiling driftwood, if you're not in a really big hurry to get it in you could leave it submerged in a bucket for a week ish to let most of the tannins leach out.
Good luck with your tank!!

jdhef

Of course being a guy can make buying pantyhose a little embarrassing!

Fishies-for-me

It is almost halloween..no one will think anything of it...lol

Barbrella

I agree and I'm sorry I worded that wrong! I did NOT mean to imply that the water would do anything to cycle the tank.

What I meant is that since cardinals are quite sensitive to new tanks, even those seeded with used floss, some nicely aged water from a healthy tank would be good for starting them off.

Red1313

Ah ok that makes more sense barbrella

Lucy

lol, I knew you knew that, I was like.....

Nexxorcist

the whole cardinals being sensitive to water is starting to worry me. i dont wanna kill the fish, dats for sure. i know that they like being in schools of 6 or more, but what if i got 3 cardinals and 3 cherry barbs (seeing as how they're a hardier fish?) instead? would that lead me to more problems down the road, or would that combo be ok?

Barbrella

Cherry barbs and cardinals are a fine combination, and yes - cherry barbs are beyond hardy - BUT you only have 10 gallons and small tetras are not very comfortable in a group of only 3.

With small torpedo shaped fish like the barbs and tetras, the general guideline is 1" per gallon.

So you could probably do 5 cardinals and 3 barbs (2 female/1 male).

All these fish really appreciate good plantings in the tank, and definitely add the barbs first. They are nearly immune to cycling fluctuations. When your water params are really stable then you could add the tetras. You'll have to be very diligent about water changes and good filtration.

Hope that makes sense. I don't want to have to fish whack myself again!

Nexxorcist

awesome, thank you! i was initially afraid of having too many, hence 6 cardinals, but i guess 8 would be maxing it out.

ill definitely keep on top of my water changes. just getting everything, and researching everything, and setting things up has taken about a month cause i get pretty anal retentive about starting new projects/hobbies.

i super appreciate the help from everybody. cherry barbs for the first round it is!