29 Gallon Tank Setting Up A New 29 Gallon Tank

Heyyy! It's me again! Lol. I know alot of people have been following my journey and I appreciate all the advice that has been giving thus far! This forum KS definitely by far a God Send! I finally got my chemicals today to start my new 20 gallon tank! Super excited!! I have Biological Booster, Prime, Stability, and Ammonia Solution. I no longer use Water Conditioner since I started using Prime. If you have been following me on my 55 gallon and 10 gallon then you know the issues I've had thus far. With this being a new tank, I want to start this fresh and new. I am doing a fishless cycle! I have everything I need (heater, thermometer, led lights, and filter that came with it. I do NOT plan on using anything from my 10 gallon tank EXCEPT the decor and very hesitant on using the rocks. If I do use the rocks I am definitely placing them in a strainer and rinsing under hot water. I just want to do everything right. I know the tank can take 4-6 weeks to cycle. I've NEVER used these certain chemicals before. I do plan on filling up the tank and starting it Sunday. How do I use the chemicals properly? I know people will say follow the directions BUT I've read ALOT of mixed reviews so I wanna hear first hand experiences with these to make sure everything goes smoothly. I also do NOT plan on moving my 3 fishes I've UNTIL it cycles 100%.

 

Hey there,

It looks good, just fill with water and add some rocks wood and/or other decor. Please dont put the rocks from other tank under hotwater you will kill all good bacteria which will jumpstart this new tank, i would reccomend moving them to this new tank after you have added water.

Maybe get a small amount of sponge or other media from another filter to boost cycle this new tank..

Best of luck
Peter

 

I no longer use Water Conditioner since I started using Prime

Prime is an example of a water conditioner. So you very much do use a water conditioner still.

 

I assume that you already have a Master Test Kit?

There are some handy threads on here about fishless cycling, e.g:

Ammonia Instructions when Cycling with TSS+ or other Bacterial Starter | Aquarium Nitrogen Cycle Forum | 251982

I'm curious, did the store staff recommend that you buy both Stability and Biological Booster? Just that they are different brands of bacterial starter that are supposed to do the same thing. I question whether either of them are necessary let alone both.

All you really need is the Prime for dechlorinating tap water and the ammonia for starting the cycling process.

 

I'm curious, did the store staff recommend that you buy both Stability and Biological Booster? Just that they are different brands of bacterial starter that are supposed to do the same thing. I question whether either of them are necessary let alone both.

Using both may just cause a bacteria bloom and/or an ammonia spike if some of them die off. As the latter is the house brand of the store I am pretty certain there was a sales quota involved.
Bacteria products are almost always nothing but patience in a bottle. They give you the feeling you are helping.
Otherwise they at best shorten the process by a week and may introduce certain species of bacteria. If the tank is outside the hardness/pH range of these species it's useless.
I'm not saying there are no bacteria in them and I'm also not saying they are completely useless.
But they are all but a must-have.

 

If it's the imagitarium biological booster, I'd just use the stability for your bacteria to cycle and follow those directions.
Then follow the directions on the ammonia, and read the "how to" link that GlennO posted on how you work them together.

I don't suggest mixing the two bacterial starter brands or "doubling up" on it.

As I said before, I think you should keep this tank clean from the other tanks media or substrate, nothing from there, start this one fresh.
Hot water would not be enough if you did move over rocks, you'd need to boil for 10 minutes to kill everything, let cool completely then you could use it, but simply hot water won't cut it and kill everything that's potentially bad.

If your other tanks keep giving your problems you can drain, clean and jumpstart them of this one.

But if problems and you move things from one to another then all 3 have the problem. cross contamination. I think you are doing the right thing to have this on a new cycle and new bacteria, and separate. Might take longer to cycle than jumpstarting off another tank, but it gives you options if the other tanks go wrong again.

 

Hey there,

It looks good, just fill with water and add some rocks wood and/or other decor. Please dont put the rocks from other tank under hotwater you will kill all good bacteria which will jumpstart this new tank, i would reccomend moving them to this new tank after you have added water.

Maybe get a small amount of sponge or other media from another filter to boost cycle this new tank..

Best of luck
Peter

I was afraid to add any media bc of the problems and issues I've had with my other tanks but if you think it will be find I can do that. I do have sponges in all my filters along with the other filter things it came with. Noted, will add rocks straight from the old one to new one. The only issues is doing this before it cycles will leave my 10 gallon with barely any. It barely has any now lol.

Prime is an example of a water conditioner. So you very much do use a water conditioner still.

Yea just not the kind I was using lol

I assume that you already have a Master Test Kit?

There are some handy threads on here about fishless cycling, e.g:

Ammonia Instructions when Cycling with TSS+ or other Bacterial Starter | Aquarium Nitrogen Cycle Forum | 251982

I'm curious, did the store staff recommend that you buy both Stability and Biological Booster? Just that they are different brands of bacterial starter that are supposed to do the same thing. I question whether either of them are necessary let alone both.

All you really need is the Prime for dechlorinating tap water and the ammonia for starting the cycling process.

I had biological booster from when I originally bought my 10 gallon months ago and had some left over bc I never used much of it. I found this new one that was better than what I was using so I kinda switched over.
Th

If it's the imagitarium biological booster, I'd just use the stability for your bacteria to cycle and follow those directions.
Then follow the directions on the ammonia, and read the "how to" link that GlennO posted on how you work them together.

I don't suggest mixing the two bacterial starter brands or "doubling up" on it.

As I said before, I think you should keep this tank clean from the other tanks media or substrate, nothing from there, start this one fresh.
Hot water would not be enough if you did move over rocks, you'd need to boil for 10 minutes to kill everything, let cool completely then you could use it, but simply hot water won't cut it and kill everything that's potentially bad.

If your other tanks keep giving your problems you can drain, clean and jumpstart them of this one.

But if problems and you move things from one to another then all 3 have the problem. cross contamination. I think you are doing the right thing to have this on a new cycle and new bacteria, and separate. Might take longer to cycle than jumpstarting off another tank, but it gives you options if the other tanks go wrong again.

That is true! I definitely don't want any problems with this new one. I do plan on using the old decor but other than that everything else is new. I like the decor and got most of it for free and the fish love it so I don't think it would hurt? It does already have algea on the decor. Would it hurt to move the decor over?

I assume that you already have a Master Test Kit?

There are some handy threads on here about fishless cycling, e.g:

Ammonia Instructions when Cycling with TSS+ or other Bacterial Starter | Aquarium Nitrogen Cycle Forum | 251982

I'm curious, did the store staff recommend that you buy both Stability and Biological Booster? Just that they are different brands of bacterial starter that are supposed to do the same thing. I question whether either of them are necessary let alone both.

All you really need is the Prime for dechlorinating tap water and the ammonia for starting the cycling process.

Yes I do have a master test kit. I bought one recently and love it A LOT better then the strips! Alot more accurate! How often do I need to test this new one? What's best to test for?

 

I was afraid to add any media bc of the problems and issues I've had with my other tanks but if you think it will be find I can do that. I do have sponges in all my filters along with the other filter things it came with. Noted, will add rocks straight from the old one to new one. The only issues is doing this before it cycles will leave my 10 gallon with barely any. It barely has any now lol.

I've kinda forgotten, what was the issues with the 10gal?

 

I've kinda forgotten, what was the issues with the 10gal?

Always cloudy and always high in its numbers.

 

Always cloudy and always high in its numbers.

Oh well its fine, if it was cloudy and high numbers that because to many fish in small tank and not enough good bacteria to eat ammonia and nitrates.

You should be fine to move some of the gravel deco etc to the new tank no issues.

 

Oh well its fine, if it was cloudy and high numbers that because to many fish in small tank and not enough good bacteria to eat ammonia and nitrates.

You should be fine to move some of the gravel deco etc to the new tank no issues.

I'm not using my 55 gal stuff but do plan on using my 10 gal. I figured I wasn't changing the water as I should have been which is like 20% every other day I was only doing a 80-90% one time a week. I just know they are going to be way happier in this new 29 gal tank. Alot more room then they have now. Can't wait to start the cycle up!

 

correct, as ive said u should be fine with using 10 and 55gal stuff it just doesnt have a lot of bb as they are both newly setup.

Best of luck
would lvoe to see a setup photo

 

correct, as ive said u should be fine with using 10 and 55gal stuff it just doesnt have a lot of bb as they are both newly setup.

Best of luck
would lvoe to see a setup photo

I also forget in my 10 gallon I kept putting fish in before it was fully cycled unfortunately I lost several pets bc I was new and that was before I found this forum. Now that it's finally cycled and I got strong fish i know I can do this is little to no problems!! I'll definitely be adding a set up photo once it's set up. I also want to get some live plants but not sure what that process is like. How do you plant them? What's required? What plants goes with angel fish and a catfish bottom feeder? Never had live plants only artificial.. but I know real plants are definitely beneficial! Will be from petco, petsmart or Pet depot (a mom and pop shop in alabama)Alabama. What do you suggest?

I also forget in my 10 gallon I kept putting fish in before it was fully cycled unfortunately I lost several pets bc I was new and that was before I found this forum. Now that it's finally cycled and I got strong fish i know I can do this is little to no problems!! I'll definitely be adding a set up photo once it's set up. I also want to get some live plants but not sure what that process is like. How do you plant them? What's required? What plants goes with angel fish and a catfish bottom feeder? Never had live plants only artificial.. but I know real plants are definitely beneficial! Will be from petco, petsmart or Pet depot (a mom and pop shop in alabama)Alabama. What do you suggest?

Not angel fish sorry goldfish I'm tired been a long day lol

 

ok sound fine, we all make and made mistakes when learning and setting up in the fish keeping hobby. With plants i would say pothos is a great plant, they are hung on the surface and are really good for lowering nitrates! Anubias and java fern are normally quite hardy and are known to do well with goldfish although it depends on the temps of the tank. Perhaps you could get a pond plant, water crest is a really easy to grow, keep and care for type plant best of luck.

 

ok sound fine, we all make and made mistakes when learning and setting up in the fish keeping hobby. With plants i would say pothos is a great plant, they are hung on the surface and are really good for lowering nitrates! Anubias and java fern are normally quite hardy and are known to do well with goldfish although it depends on the temps of the tank. Perhaps you could get a pond plant, water crest is a really easy to grow, keep and care for type plant best of luck.

I'll have to look I think I can set the temp on the new tank. The old tank has a regular heater where I can't set the temp. I don't remember what my 55 gall is set to. I'll have to check when I get home... I want to say between 80-90 but idk. I could put a thermometer and check that way.......?

ok sound fine, we all make and made mistakes when learning and setting up in the fish keeping hobby. With plants i would say pothos is a great plant, they are hung on the surface and are really good for lowering nitrates! Anubias and java fern are normally quite hardy and are known to do well with goldfish although it depends on the temps of the tank. Perhaps you could get a pond plant, water crest is a really easy to grow, keep and care for type plant best of luck.

Here's is my 10 gallon. It's cloudy b.c I just did a wc

 

Ye if it's 80-90 I'd just take the heater out of the tank and keep it just filter and lights no heater needed

Can I ask why you have a cigarette packet on back of tank?

Normally aquatic thermometers are better to use costing less then $5 but perhaps a standard thermometer might work idk?

 

Ye if it's 80-90 I'd just take the heater out of the tank and keep it just filter and lights no heater needed

Can I ask why you have a cigarette packet on back of tank?

Normally aquatic thermometers are better to use costing less then $5 but perhaps a standard thermometer might work idk?

The new tank came with a thermometer so I placed it in my 10 gallon to check it so I can set my new tank at the same temp as my old one. I plan on getting more rocks today and possible plants. When's the best time to plant them in my new tank. And it's to keep my filter in place since it's bigger. It came off my 55 gallon.

 

You can add plants anytime, they should have bb on them which should help with cycling the tank, they will also be a natural filter so Ye whenever you buy them just add them

 

You can add plants anytime, they should have bb on them which should help with cycling the tank, they will also be a natural filter so Ye whenever you buy them just add them

I looked today but the place I went to did not have any. maybe next weekend.

 

ok sound fine, we all make and made mistakes when learning and setting up in the fish keeping hobby. With plants i would say pothos is a great plant, they are hung on the surface and are really good for lowering nitrates! Anubias and java fern are normally quite hardy and are known to do well with goldfish although it depends on the temps of the tank. Perhaps you could get a pond plant, water crest is a really easy to grow, keep and care for type plant best of luck.

My tank stays at 81 degrees.... what plants would be good for that temp?

 

My tank stays at 81 degrees.... what plants would be good for that temp?

That's too warm for goldfish (unless it's just seasonal). Or is that just the temperature for cycling?

In any case, Java Fern may be one of the few plants that might survive with goldfish.

 

I'd suggest anubias or Java fern you can attach them to rock or wood and if the get detached from the goldfish pulling them up you can just fix them back down again. They don't require to be in soil and are pretty thick and sturdy.

 

That's too warm for goldfish (unless it's just seasonal). Or is that just the temperature for cycling?

In any case, Java Fern may be one of the few plants that might survive with goldfish.

It stays that temp always and they don't find it at all

It stays that temp always and they don't find it at all

***they don't mind it

I'd suggest anubias or Java fern you can attach them to rock or wood and if the get detached from the goldfish pulling them up you can just fix them back down again. They don't require to be in soil and are pretty thick and sturdy.

Awesome

 

81F/27C is way to hot for goldfish IMO/IME, goldfish prefer the temops between 60-75 you should ,lower the temp but dont do it dramatically, each day lower it 1 degree until between 60-75 otherwise you will shock the fish by the temp change.

 

81F/27C is way to hot for goldfish IMO/IME, goldfish prefer the temops between 60-75 you should ,lower the temp but dont do it dramatically, each day lower it 1 degree until between 60-75 otherwise you will shock the fish by the temp change.

I can't lower the temperature. The heater I have on it doesn't change. It's always been ok that temperature and they don't have a problem with it at all. The heater I have is not adjustable at all.

 

I can't lower the temperature. The heater I have on it doesn't change. It's always been ok that temperature and they don't have a problem with it at all. The heater I have is not adjustable at all.

If you can't lower the heater temp perhaps it's better to run the tank with no heater

 

If you can't lower the heater temp perhaps it's better to run the tank with no heater

They love it though. It don't seem to bother them at all but with the new tank I'll get it up to temp then slowly downgrade it 1 degree a day I guess

 

Its fine sure they seem like they love it but they are cold water fish. in the wild they can be found well below 0C/30F

 

Its fine sure they seem like they love it but they are cold water fish. in the wild they can be found well below 0C/30F

Even the fancy Shubunkin goldfish? That's what I have in my smaller tank.....

 

Yep even fancy goldfish

 

Yep even fancy goldfish

So best way to do this? Heat my new tank to 81 then after cycle transfer then slowly down it 1 degree a day for 10 days?

 

So best way to do this? Heat my new tank to 81 then after cycle transfer then slowly down it 1 degree a day for 10 days?

You don't have to cycle with heater at 80 it can be any temp, but if your tank is at 80 and the new tank should be 80 to other wise u shock the fishlore, then when they are in new tank you can daily lower temp, what is your tank water temp without heater, you might be cold/warm enough to not run a heater

 

You don't have to cycle with heater at 80 it can be any temp, but if your tank is at 80 and the new tank should be 80 to other wise u shock the fishlore, then when they are in new tank you can daily lower temp, what is your tank water temp without heater, you might be cold/warm enough to not run a heater

Not sure. I've always ran a heater b.c the tanks not far from a vent with my ac steadily between 70-72 degrees. I definitely don't want to shock then at all so I'll prob cycle with the heater at 80 then daily go down 1-2 degrees until it's at 72? Probably be the best way to do it...

 

Tank got set up tonight! Waters in and filters going! I added my chemicals... what do I do now?

 

Is the stand level?

 

Is the stand level?

I think it may be a little off, but didn't notice until it was already set up... it will be level BEFORE I put anything else in it (fish and decor)

 

I added my water and chemicals last night. What time should I test everyday? Or does the timing matter?

 

I just tested my new 29 gallon tank after setting it up last night! Here's my numbers:

Ph- 7.6
Ammonia- 4.0
Nitrite- 0
Nitrate- 0

 

Great. Now just wait. Let it cycle.

 

Great. Now just wait. Let it cycle.

That's what I'm doing lol. This is my first new tank with a new fishkess cycle so I'm excited lol. Do I need to add more ammonia tomorrow? Or tonight? Or add anything at all?