Need help with new aquarium

HI I’m very new to this hobby and I’ve made way too many mistakes but hopefully I can get some advice and be on the right track. I’m currently overstocked in my 2 gallon bowl. My 7 gallon aquarium is arriving on Monday (I wish I can get a bigger one but have no space ) I’m in the beginning of trying to cycle my bowl after I lost some shrimp do to overstocking I believe. So I started the process again. I have 3 guppies in there and I’m monitoring the ph,ammonia,nitrite,nitrate daily. My ammonia I .25 maybe little less and 0 nitrate , 0 nitrite. I want a planted aquarium without co2,ferts,filters just try to have nature make it work. My questions are how do I start my new 7 gallon tank? Do I take some of the plants and substrate from the bowl to jumpstart my cycle in the new tank ? Or do I just start from the beginning since the bowl isn’t cycled yet. Also once the 7 gallon is cycled how many guppies,snails,and shrimp can I place in there? I don’t want to overstock.

 

Do either of these tanks have a filter?

 

No. I was under the impression that if there’s enough plants it will all work without a filter...is it possible not to have one with enough water changes?

This is what it looks like right now and I want to do a heavy planted tank on the 7 gallon

 

What does the 7 gallon tank look like?

Honestly, there are folks out there, even some on this forum I believe, you have filterless tanks. So I know it can be done. But I will have to defer to someone with more knowledge on the subject than myself.

 

What does the 7 gallon tank look like?

Honestly, there are folks out there, even some on this forum I believe, you have filterless tanks. So I know it can be done. But I will have to defer to someone with more knowledge on the subject than myself.

It’s a square 12x12x12 7.1 gallon

 

If it were me, I would put a filter on it. To answer your question, yes, you can just move everything from your old tank right into the new one.

 

I’m new to fish keeping and don’t understand how one would cycle a tank without filtration, so I don’t have any help to offer but am following this thread.

 

I’m new to fish keeping and don’t understand how one would cycle a tank without filtration, so I don’t have any help to offer but am following this thread.

Bacteria will eventually form on the substrate and any decor in the tank.

 

Bacteria will eventually form on the substrate and any decor in the tank.

But then if you cleaned the tank, wouldn’t that destroy the bb? Would you just never clean it?

 

But then if you cleaned the tank, wouldn’t that destroy the bb? Would you just never clean it?

I think once it’s colonized than it will re-establish after cleaning.

 

But then if you cleaned the tank, wouldn’t that destroy the bb? Would you just never clean it?

It can shock it yes if cleaned to much. Rinse and decor in already used water. I'd aI'm for maybe a small air stone and sponge just for certainty but I don't have luck with water based plants. I got a 8 gallon cube from Petco with the water fall thing filter on top. But I also did a undergravel with 2 risers and air stones and my params stay awesome for about 3 weeks then my nitrates slowly rise. But I also keep 1 bristlnose place and 1 betta in the 8 gallon as the place is about 3 years old and only 3 inches I feel comfortable with the cycle it has going on

 

I’m new to fish keeping and don’t understand how one would cycle a tank without filtration, so I don’t have any help to offer but am following this thread.

I agree. A filter is a good idea.

The bacteria you're looking for do form on all surfaces, but you need water flow to establish an effective colony.

 

But then if you cleaned the tank, wouldn’t that destroy the bb? Would you just never clean it?

No, it won't destroy it. I assume you mean by vacuuming substrate or rinsing off decor? You will kill some bacteria if you rinse in tap water. So always use old tank water. But you really won't do any harm to bacteria that has colonized in the substrate.

Again, I have never done a filterless tank, nor would I recommend it, especially for someone just starting out.

 

If you want to go filterless, first off you'd have to do a ton of reading. Diane Walstad has one of the only scientifically backed up guides on how you can do a filterless aquarium called "The Ecology of the Planted Aquarium." However, this method takes at least a month, more likely longer, a dirted tank, and a lot of knowledge, and it doesn't work as a fish-in cycle. In your case, I'd say you definitely need a filter, especially because that is certainly overstocked.

 

Filter should be in the tank. Filter and heater in a tank are basics of fish keeping. Please, put filter in the tank, please!

 

YES!! is is reletitivly diffulcite to do a planted tank without ferts

 

Definitely filter. Then learn from that and you can work your way up to a filterless tank with research and experience. Your fish will thank you.

 

I have been doing a lot of reading and will also check out Diane Walstad and that’s why I’m here as well to learn. I still would prefer to try without a filter because I really like the serenity in a quiet peaceful aquarium without the bubbles and water flowing. I can start a fishless cycle on Monday in the new tank. I understand it might be difficult and this might not be the hobby for me in the end but I’m really fascinated with the whole ecosystem working by itself.

 

I would still recommend getting a filter for the bowl. It's way overstocked. Or even better getting a quarantine tank to keep them in until you finish your walstad method tank. Petco has their dollar per gallon sale right now you can get a 10 gallon for $10. Also a filter for a 10 gallon is like another $10 on amazon. Also guppies like a lot of swimming space, the 2 gallon bowl is not a good time for them.

 

I have been doing a lot of reading and will also check out Diane Walstad and that’s why I’m here as well to learn. I still would prefer to try without a filter because I really like the serenity in a quiet peaceful aquarium without the bubbles and water flowing. I can start a fishless cycle on Monday in the new tank. I understand it might be difficult and this might not be the hobby for me in the end but I’m really fascinated with the whole ecosystem working by itself.

While I don't want to dissuade you from the Walstad method entirely, I guess what I am trying to say is it probably isn't your best bet right now. Even the Walstad method stresses adequate oxygenation, and you would need moderate lighting(2-3 watts per gallon), and you CANNOT do a fish in cycle without a filter, especially with fish like guppies. If you get a small hob filter and keep the water level up, it won't be as loud.

 

I actually have a 10 gallon tank that I can move them to until the cycle is complete. Since I’ll be doing a fishless cycle should I add ammonia or will the plants and substrate from the bowl be enough to start the cycle?

 

I have been doing a lot of reading and will also check out Diane Walstad and that’s why I’m here as well to learn. I still would prefer to try without a filter because I really like the serenity in a quiet peaceful aquarium without the bubbles and water flowing. I can start a fishless cycle on Monday in the new tank. I understand it might be difficult and this might not be the hobby for me in the end but I’m really fascinated with the whole ecosystem working by itself.

You can do a fish in cycle. Partial water changes every two or three days to reduce ammonia buliding up, but just get rid of the fish bowl.