Frequent Aquarium Questions

• Can I use filter material or gravel from a saltwate tank to help cycle my new freshwater tank?
  
  
• I recently set up a new freshwater tank. How soon can I add fish?
  
  
• How much rock can I stuff into my 45 gallon aquarium? I am afraid of cracking it.
  
  
• I have 2 oscars, 1 silver dollar, and 1 red bellied pacu all about 3 to 4 inches long in a 29 gallon tank. How long should I cycle a 55 gallon tank so that I can safely move the fish over?
  
  
• Can I reuse an aquarium that housed a hampster and make it a fish aquarium?
  
  
• I am starting up a new reef tank and am wondering if it is fine to use a 35 gallon tank?
  
  
• What are the pros and cons of using sand in marine aquariums?
  
  
• I am getting a 210 gallon tank for my second floor apartment. I need to know if the 2-year old concrete floor will support all that weight.
  
  
• Is it bad to use crushed coral instead of gravel in a freshwater chiclid tank?
  
  
• How can I change from gravel to sand in a fresh water ?
  
  

• Can I use filter material or gravel from a saltwate tank to help cycle my new freshwater tank?
  
  No. There are specific bacterial populations that only survive in their respective environments.
  
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• I recently set up a new freshwater tank. How soon can I add fish?
  
  You can usually add fish after 48 hours, assuming the water has been conditioned.
  
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• How much rock can I stuff into my 45 gallon aquarium? I am afraid of cracking it.
  
  If your tank is on a level flat surface or on a stand specifically made for the tank, the tank can be completely full with rock and other decorations.
  
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• I have 2 oscars, 1 silver dollar, and 1 red bellied pacu all about 3 to 4 inches long in a 29 gallon tank. How long should I cycle a 55 gallon tank so that I can safely move the fish over?
  
  You should save some of your filter media and as much of the substrate/gravel, and use them on the new tank. This material will already have a healthy popultation of nitrifying bacteria which will help cycle the tank. If you do this, you can set up the 55 gallon immediately.
  
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• Can I reuse an aquarium that housed a hampster and make it a fish aquarium?
  
  You need to check the integrity of the silicone seals if it is a glass tank. If they are in good shape, filling the tank with water wouldn't be a bad precautionary measure. If the tank is acrylic, you will need to check for cracks and perform the same steps.
  
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• I am starting up a new reef tank and am wondering if it is fine to use a 35 gallon tank?
  
  A reef environment is the one marine setup that will work on smaller tanks like a 35 gallon.
  
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• What are the pros and cons of using sand in marine aquariums?
  
  Sand will be more difficult to vacuum during service. It is very fine and is easily removed. Sand will prevent you from installing any intakes near the bottom because it could damage pumps if they are sucked in. Other than that, they provide a very natural look to the aquarium.
  
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• I am getting a 210 gallon tank for my second floor apartment. I need to know if the 2-year old concrete floor will support all that weight.
  
  Plan on about 10 pounds per gallon without all the equipment and decorations. If you think that your floor will hold at least 2 1/4 tons, then it is possible.
  
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• Is it bad to use crushed coral instead of gravel in a freshwater chiclid tank?
  
  No, some substrates packaged specifically for cichlid tanks is very similar to crushed coral.
  
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• How can I change from gravel to sand in a fresh water ?
  
  The only thing to watch for in sand is to make sure that the filter intakes are not near the bottom. You will probably experience some sand floating on the surface until everything is waterlogged.
  
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