Water changes on new tank..

[Mikef1]

I am currently cycling my new 90 gal. I have done a couple of water changes since I put 100lbs of live rock in. I laso have a 150gal reef that I am going to do a water change in. Do you think it is a good idea to use the old water from the 150 to do a water change in the 90 gal.

 

[Anonymous]

I don't know if I would call it a good idea, it wouldn't hurt. On the other hand it wouldn't help either. There is plenty of nutrients and such to enable the new tank to cycle without adding water from an established tank.
Bottom line, there really is no reason to do this.

Cheers
Jim

 

[kyabk]

I would tend to agree with Jim. I would just cycle with new water.
-Aaron

 

[Modo]

I would disagree and would believe that the water from the established system would help in the cycling process. This water would have the bacteria you are trying to establish in the new tank in it already helping in establishing the bacteria colony.

Also, any filter media that might be in the established tank would help speed up the cycling process in the new tank.

 

[Mikef1]

I had the impression that it would help speed of the cycling process. Any other opinions?

 

[Anonymous]

i guess it would help ... it could also transfer contaminants or pest organisms to your pristine new aquarium.

 

[WRASSER]

mikef,


it will help speed up your cycle, you could even go as far as to take half the bi-balls out of each and switch them tooooo. it will help cycling.OR just do it the old fashion way (be patience) and wait. this way is a better way, because it's done correctly, no contaminates from other sorces.



good luck,



wrasser 8)

 

[Anonymous]

I completley disagree with those who say it will help or speed up the cycle. I think there is a bit of misunderstanding by some people posting here as to how the cycle happens in a new tank. I'm not going to type the huge post necessary to explain this, but suffice to say that there is a TREMENDOUS amount of bacteria already living on the new live rock - that's why you use it. A bit of water from an established system is going to do next to nothing when compared to what the live rock lends to the system. The bacteria live on surfaces, and realatively little of it exists in the water column. Furthermore, if there is detectible amounts of ammonia in the water from the established tank to aid in bacteria growth, something is VERY wrong with your established system!
Live rock as an incredible array of bacteria and living organisms on it, THAT is what helps your tank cycle. Forget about adding water from another system. If anything, add some sand from the existing system.

Cheers
Jim