Upgrading Tank

[batson325]

Hey guys, I am taking down my 58 gallon and my 100 gallon tanks for a 215 gallon. I am trying to figure out the logistics of everything. If I move the water from the 100 tank to the new one and setup the filter without cleaning it or having it down for much time, will the new tank need to cycle? I can also add some bio spira if it helps. Just want to make the transition work without losing any fish. I have 2 2217s that I will use for this and they are both currently running in cycled tanks. Also, Ive never had a tank this large. I know that water and rocks will be heavy, is there anything that I can do to help with the weight (my dad suggested putting some styrofoam under the gravel). If I have a filter from a tank that is already cycled, do I need to add any old tank water? I may have more questions that I havent thought about, but this is a start. Thanks.

[aggrofishkeeper]

Yes you can add fish right away if you use existing filters with beneficial bacteria already colonized in it. And using the old water will help too, even the substrate. I think the 2x2217 might not be enough depending on the stock size. I would opt for at least 1 2260 or 2262 if that's an option.

A 215g's glass is pretty thick, I'm able to add 200lbs of sand and 160lbs of fossil rock to my 180g with no problem.

You could also lay down light diffusers before adding substrate and rocks.

[batson325]

thanks that helps a lot.

[batson325]

Ill probably start out with 2 2217s and when I get some money, I'll buy a bigger filter. I have an eheim pro2 that I got from my dad and when i set it up, it leaked everywhere. I dont know if I should replace the O-ring and try again, but I dont really trust it.

[sunkenmetal]

Just save your money and get a eheim classic filter like a 2260 or 2262 or more 2217s

[TexSun]

Just save your money and get a eheim classic filter like a 2260 or 2262 or more 2217s

^ +1.

[jeb102385]

2217s are nowhere close to big enough. I ran a 2262 on my 215...

[Tek]

Although when I switch tanks I always keep some of the water, I heard that the bacteria beneficial in cycling mainly lives attached to solids so filter media, substrate, rocks plants ect from the old tank would be beneficial.

I would still use old water with fresh though. Dunno why, but that it is how I have always done it and I am old school with my traditions, lol.

as for weight, the aquariums builders are not gonna sell tanks that can't withstand the weight of substrate, decorations and water. Heck, I have sealed tanks made for critters instead of fish, added water and piled rocks up to almost the top with no problems.

A gallon of water weighs 8lbs so with water and substrate the weight is gonna be over 2000lbs on the tank. but remember that is over the entire footprint of the tank. The footprint of the tank is what 6ft by 2ft? That comes up to about a pound per square inch on the tank. If you bought a tank that would smash when a pound of pressure is applied to a square inch area then you got scammed The glass will be safe, its your floor you have to worry about Downstairs floors are built for that type of weight, upstairs is built for less weight.

[batson325]

thanks guys, all good info. I just got it and will be setting it up today.

[batson325]

I have some bio spira, would it hurt to add that when I get it filled?