WolfPack21

Hello everyone, my girlfriend loved my fish tanks so much she got her own 10 gallon tank. Everything is setup and I took some gravel out of my tank and put in a filter bag and turned the temp up to 84. My question is should we leave the light on or off during this process? Of course we will not add fish untill the tank cycles. Thanks!

Shawnie

the light isnt needed..what ammonia source are you using tho? you have to feed that established bacteria thats in the subtrate

peacemaker92

I agree with Shawnie. Light is not a must. The tank should be cycled in a few days since you took some gravel from your tank which already has the bacteria needed. It's best to keep feeding your tank until you get fish in there. Or else you may lose your bacteria and you'd have to start the cycle all over again. Keep us updated yeah?

WolfPack21

Thanks, Ill turn off the light soon. How often should I add new gravel to her tank? It's been close to one day and I have not had a chance to check for anything...but I'll keep you posted

Lucy

I don't think I understand. What do you mean how often should you add gravel?
The bacteria lives on the gravel/filter media.
Once you add the seeded material, you need to feed that bacteria some source of ammonia otherwise the bacteria of the substrate/filter media will die.

WolfPack21

Sorry, I should have been more clear about what I was saying. I meant to say how often should I take the gravel out of my tank and replace it with the gravel already sitting in her tank (in a filter bag). I am also adding pure ammonia during this process.

Lucy

Oh I see. Leave the seeded gravel in the new tank for at least 2 weeks.
What's your ammonia reading now (in the new tank) and how much are you adding?

WolfPack21

So far I do not have any reading...maybe .25 PPM and I am adding about 12 drops a day. However the tank has only been set up for one day. So I think in the morning thier should be a higher reading.

Lucy

Ok. When you added 12 drops, what did it bring your ammonia reading up to?
The reason I'm asking is you want to see how quickly the bacteria processes the ammonia.
Once your tank can process 4-5ppm's of ammonia in 24 hours, you should be cycled.

WolfPack21

I checked the water in morning and the ammonia is at 3 PPM. So it seems like a waiting game now!

Lucy

It sure does, it's about as much fun as watching paint dry, but you know your fish will be happier for it.
Check it in 24hrs.

Here's an idea if the gravel didn't have enough bacteria to process the ammonia.
Get an extra filter sponge or cartride. Stick it in your established 29g for a least 2 weeks. Then transfer it to your gf's tank, it'll help the process along.

Shawnie

when you use established gravel/media etc...its an instant cycle like tss and fish should be added at the same time...adding ammonia is probably going to overrun the bacteria as you didnt have that amount in your existing tank...so you probably will have a few weeks of cycling ...

WolfPack21

Thats a good point...I know its worth the wait. I made the mistake of adding fishing before I knew about the cycling process.