Transfer fish question - trying again here..

[Cher]

Hey!  

I posted this question in the Freshwater Beginners section but so far I haven't had a response.  Just in case everyone doesn't go to both areas to read posts, I'm posting my question here too.  

I currently have a 12 gallon Eclipse system with assorted small tetras and a few small cories and one quickly growing pleco.  I bought a 29 gallon tank to transfer all these guys to but I'm trying to determine the best way to get the new tank cycled.  Once I get the big tank set up, would using water and gravel from the old tank accomplish the same thing as the pure ammonia fishless-cycle method?

Also, I like using bio-wheel power filters on my tanks.  I already have a new Penguin 170 that works for up to 30 gallons but I was wondering if it's better or necessary to go with a filter that has a better gph like the Penguin 330 which is meant for up to 55 gallons?  

Whatcha think?

Cher     *twirlysmiley*

 

[keprydak]

You could perhaps transfer over your biowheel from the eclipse to the penguins? I would go with the 330 just because that's the gph rating. and I like my water turned over 10 times per hour

 

[Avalon]

I had a huge article on how to do this, but I can't find it now. I'll give you the short version, and if you have questions, lemme know.

You really don't need to cycle at all. Here's how to do it.
Use all water, gravel, plants, decor, whatever in the new tank.
Save the filter cartrige (at least) for the new tank. Don't clean the filter itself.

Basically, take all the water out ot the 12G and put it into buckets. Put the fish in the buckets while you work. Slap a filter and heater onto the bucket(s) (a rubbermaid container will do well too).
Remove the substrate and dump it into the 29G. Place all the old decor and stuff in the new tank (if you want). Add any new stuff as well. I would suggest lots of live plants, but that's just me. When you have everything paced and you're ready for water, fill it up halfway with whatever water you use for a water change (make sure the temp is up to par and dechlorinate!). Now add any old water that your fish aren't occupying, or use half of it if it's in one big container. Hook up your old filter, new filter, and heater now. If the water in the 29G is cold, heat it up. If it's ready to go, place the fish and old water into the new tank. Top it all off, and you are good to go. Leave the old filter on for few days if you can.

Think of it as a really big water change. Your fish may stress a tad (new enviornment), or in my experiences, they don't. The key here is to move the bacteria colony along with the fish. Use all the old stuff if you can; the water and filter are crucial. You can always remove decor later. If you can't use the old filter, you may have problems. I've done this several times and have never had any problems, nor lost any fish. Good luck!