Fastest way to cycle a new tank

[Genyosha]

I'm getting a new 77 gallon tank soon and need to get the filter (Aquaclear 500) cycled before hand. Currently I have the filter running in one of my other tanks, but that only has 4 african cichlids in it. I'm concered that it won't build a high enough bio load to handle a tank full of discus.

The tank will be later this week. Should I continue to let the filter cycle in my other tank or move it over to the new tank and do a fishless cycle? The filter has been running for only a few days.

Any suggestions?

[Carol_Roberts]

Yes, let it run in the African tank, then move it to the new 77. Add ammonia to measure 4 or 5 ppm for a fishless cycle and take readings every day. If you can leave it in the African tank for two weeks and then move it to the 77 you will build up a bio bed quickly.

[April]

Ask a fellow discus vancouverite for an added extra sponge for when you pick up your new fish......id say wont hurt either.
worst she can do is say no......but im sure she will give you one. but yes leave the one you have in the african tank till ready for the new fish.

[brewmaster15]

Have no idea if it works... I never got around to trying it, but....

http://saltaquarium.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?site=http://www.hdltd.com/products/p%5Frightnow.html


if it works it would be way too cool.

-al

copy the whole link to your browser

[Ardan]

Hi,
One possible problem is that the africans could have a disease they are not affected by , but when you use it in the discus tank it may affect the discus.

I would start out with a clean filter on the discus tank and do a fishless cycle before you get the discus.
hth

[hunterbeav]

If you get a filter from someone else you could have a lot of problems like say flukes at the least!! I would not take a filter from someone else. But then again I woun't use someone elses tooth brush either :) But thats just me go figure lol I would stick with a new filter and do a fishless cycle.

[jamesmcsyd]

I have used SERA NITRIVIC. Never had a problem, Can add fish after 24 hours.

James

[kev82]

I'm currently testing Sera Nitrivec...
It says add a dose of sera aquatan, then after one hour add nitrivec. Then continue adding nitrivec daily for a couple of days...

So far so good, no ammonia or nitrite.