New Tank Questions

I currently have an Oscar in a 40 breeder. I just set up a 125 and used half the filter media from my old tank. My questions are: Will the tank be ok to put my Oscar in right away or should I wait? Will the bacteria in my filter media die if there's no source of ammonia to feed it? I plan on getting a couple more fish to grow out in the 40 after the Oscar is out.

 

I'd either add all the media, or set up the old filter on the new tank until the other filter gains some bacteria. The media in your current filter had the bacteria to support your oscar (as long as it's fully cycled.) Half of it may not cut it. You could just add the media/filter back to the old tank after a few weeks and then get fish. Also yes, the bacteria will die without a food source.

 

I would take The entire filter , and use it , along with the new filter, in the larger tank. And as soon as the temperature stabalizes, move the fish. Because yes, the bacteria will die without its food source. I know you want to get your new fish now, but it is riskier to just move half of the filter media. as the inside of they filter could be housing a large percent of the bacteria.

 

It wouldn't matter what you do, it's already in a tank with half as much the established media lol. You might as well move it over to the 125, at least its 3x the volume of water to distribute the effects of any spike.

Monitor the parameters closely, do water changes as necessary, use Prime.

Bacteria will begin to die out without a food source, so you can keep the tank running and treat it like you do have fish. "Feed" the tank a small pinch of food once a day, water change at least 15% once or week or however necessary.

 

Thanks for the responses. I think I got a handle on it now.