tb19

Im planning to start a 40 gallon tank
I want to transfer all the fish i have in my 15 gallon after the 40 gallon has cycled
my question is, can i introduce my fish to the new tank all at once?
im guessin i have to take it slowly because of differences in water quality.
also...im keepin the tank in my bedroom and im wondering what would be the quietest and cheapest filter and air pump?

COBettaCouple

It would be better to transfer them some at a time, with a few days at least in between to give the system a chance to adjust to the waste output and keep the cycle from breaking.

you'll find lots of opinions on filters and pumps. we have mostly tetra whisper filters and the air pumps from wally world and it's quiet in the room.

tb19

yeah that what i thought i had to do. I might get some neon tetras first so they can help cycle the tank =]

capekate

Neon tetras are pretty sensitive to new tanks and may not do well as a 'cycling fish'. IMO you would be better off just introducing a few of the fish you already have...

~ kate

COBettaCouple

weren't you planning to move them after the tank cycled?

tb19

oh yeah i think i've read about that before...
what about a blue ram?
i want to add this fish to the tank but i dont know much about it
i've read that they do well with other fish other than the same species as itself

lilsoccakid

german blue rams require well established tanks. i wouldnt add any fish to the tank until it is cycled

tb19

so what fish can i use to cyle?

COBettaCouple

http://www.fishlore.com/NitrogenCycle.htm - check the section on fishless cycling. You can use fish flakes or pure ammonia to cycle a tank. Then you don't have to worry about the toxins getting high during the cycle and can turn the heater to maximum. It's probably faster that way and you won't end up with dead or sick fish.

tb19

oh yeah thanx!
i forgot that you can cycle the tank without fish...
lol
it's cause i cycled my current tank with 3 fish that i still have