Fishkeeping - Installing background in running tank

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Update: Installing background in running tank

Installing background in running tank

Koi-Lo wrote:

"FishNoob" wrote in message
...
=======

But the end result of what you do is the same as the result of what I
was planning to do - the bacteria living in the filter is cut in
half. (I didn't do that in the end, but I'm trying to understand
everything you're saying for when I *do* start a new tank... oops, I
let it slip LOL)

I'm sure you will add tanks as time passes..... just like a junkie needs
more and more of his/her drug of choice. The cut in half bacteria in the
old filter makes little difference. They rapidly multiply when some are
removed. Remember, they're not only in the filter but on every surface in
your tank exposed to oxygen.

I'd have been using the same tank, gravel, plants... the only
difference between your moving a filter from your old tank to your
new one and my moving one of two filters out of the tank would be
where the removed filter went - there'd be no difference in what was
left behind.

Or am I confused?

If you chose to use gravel to seed a new tank only take the TOP layer where
the nitrifying bacteria are. I never found that to be helpful. Either
move
the old seeded filter to the new tank - or take 1/2 the old filter material
and add that to the new filter for the new tank. Best way in my opinion is
to move the old seeded filter to the new tank, and put the new unseeded
filter on the old tank. That always worked best for me.

I'm thinking the ideal way to set up a new tank would be to put half
the occupants of the old tank into the new one, along with half the
filter media, waiting for a few days and then gradually adding the
new fish to the new tank while also gradually moving the old fish
back to the old tank.

That sounds plausible. It should work.

Since I'm actually in a position where that

would be possible, does it sound like a) a good plan; b) a recipe for
disaster; or c) way more fuss than necessary? :-)

Yes. It sounds like it would work just fine. Feed cautiously for the
first
48 hours or so after making the changes.

Koi-Lo

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I'd be inclined NOT to move the existing fish over to a new tank unless
you specifically want to rehouse them...they will be stressed by the
multiple moves. When I seed a tank I usually add a few of the fish that
I want along with the filter medium - so both happen at the same time.

I'm guessing the reason that you are thinking of moving the existing
fish over is to keep the bacteria going - adding the actual fish that
you want in there would achieve the same thing. I'm always cautious
about the speed that I add the fish to the new tank - treating it like a
cycling tank (even though it isn't as such) - keep monitoring for
ammonia/nitrites after adding the fish - if these creep up then squeeze
the filter medium from your existing tank into the new one. Gravel in a
stocking toe is another one to try if the gravel is different.

Gill

Installing background in running tank

Update: Installing background in running tank

Glad that it's done. I'm not so sure about submerging silicone after
only 3 hours unless it's specified for it (so hopefully it is spec'ed for
it).

As long as there is a "skin" it'll be ok.

If it was garden variety silicone (hopefully not the type with
anti-fungal anti-mold properties as this one is toxic to fish), then does
anyone know what it outgases? (acetic acid?). Will it still cure?

Yes and yes.

Acetic acid is actually not that bad for your tank in small doese. For
some poeple it's good; they add small doses to conquor outrageous pH and
hardness. There was one guy on APD that coudn't grow anything without
adding some.

I use it, quite warm, to remove carbonate deposits and quite a bit
ends up in the tank. No fish, shrimp or plant was ever affected.

--
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Update: Installing background in running tank

Installing background in running tank

On Sat, 25 Feb 2006 19:07:42 +0000, Gill Passman
wrote:

I'm guessing the reason that you are thinking of moving the existing
fish over is to keep the bacteria going - adding the actual fish that
you want in there would achieve the same thing. I'm always cautious
about the speed that I add the fish to the new tank - treating it like a
cycling tank (even though it isn't as such) - keep monitoring for
ammonia/nitrites after adding the fish - if these creep up then squeeze
the filter medium from your existing tank into the new one. Gravel in a
stocking toe is another one to try if the gravel is different.

Gill

I'm using a little nylon mesh bag to contain my seeding gravel. I
hadn't thought of a stocking toe. Perhaps a stocking toe, before it
went into the laundry, might add some special sweetness that would
help my cycling along.

-- Mr Gardener

Installing background in running tank