avoiding algae

Question
This will be my last question for a few days. I'm getting my aquarium this after noon and I would like to set it up this weekend. Since i'm adding the established water to the new tank, how long will it take to cycle the tank. I have a 20 gallon right no and i'm getting a 36 gallon. I would try to use about 15 gallons from my old aquarium. I thought it would only take a couple days, what do you think.
Thanks again
Josh

Answer
Hello again Josh!

Well, I have done this method for cycling tanks many times before but rarely has the aquarium cycled in a couple of days unfortunatly. What would most likely get your aquarium cycled in a few days or less is adding the filter media from your established aquarium, don't clean the cartridge of it's organic matter, it will help out the bacteria. If you have a hang-on-the-back power filter, just take the cartridge out of the established aquarium and into the new filter. Even if the filters are different, you can still take the established filter media and even let it lay at the bottom of the new fishtank. If you can, put as much decorations, plastic or live plants, rocks and filter media into the new fishtank from he old one. Often if done with the filter media method, sometimes aquariums are instantly cycled!

Please remember to check for ammonia at least every 2 days, and if you have any fish present do a 50% water change if there is detectable ammonia. Your aquarium should cycle very, very quick since you already have an existing tank. Just make sure everything is alright concerning your water quality as you already know.

I hope you have the best of luck and many years of enjoyment with your new Aquarium! This addictive hobby rarely gets old! :-)

Happy fishkeeping!
Karen~