Help with Goldfish in new tank!!

[emma1981]

Hi,
Ive just gone & purchased a second hand tank, its an old fashoned 4ft (very deep) & was used for tropical fish. Ive spoken to my local aquarium store who said that after a good clean (as its been dry since December) & new gravel it should be fine. Ive also been told to rinse the filters & system (its a huge eniem outer filter) it should be fine. Is this right?!!
I was also told to cycle the tank for a minimum of 7days to get it ready, stuffing in a few of the mature sponges from my other 2 tanks.
I will be adding 5 lge godfish (2 fantail 3 normal) eventually but was told its better to add a few at a time. Ive 3 in 1 tank & 2 in the other.
Ive got the safe start to start the cycling & the tap water dechlorinator is there anything else I need? I will be adding dennerel substrate for soil & new gravel & all the older plants from one tank only as the other tank is staying.
I wondered if I needed to add any aquarium salt or other things.....bearing in mind that I will be adding Applesnails so I dont want to kill them stone dead.
Advice would be great asap as my tank is being delivered today & I will start setting it up wednesday.
All help appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[emma1981]

I forgot to add would the goldfish like a wave maker?
Would it bebetter than a bubble wall?

 

[IThinkTherefore]

Great tank! That sounds awesome. You should post some pics when you're done

Okay, your cycle may be finished in seven days, but time isn't the greatest measure. The best bet is to use a test kit and ammonia to get the cycle just right so you know for sure

Great link for it:
Fishless Cycling of the Aquarium - Algone.com

You don't need aquarium salt. There's no proven benefit except for brackish/saltwater fish, and yes it will harm your apple snails.

I've never heard of a wavemaker for goldfish but I can't imagine why it would be necessary.

Good luck and have fun!

 

[emma1981]

Thanks

Thanks v. much for your help, sometimes its just nice to have your mind put at ease.
I will post some pics when Im done for sure.