Use one tank (already cycled) to help cycle a new tank?

[LBDave]

I actually did a similar post months ago. However I was going to transfer water from established tank just before moving fish.
I didn't do this as there was no benefit. I put media (sponge pad and bio balls) in the filter from the established tank into the new one. I also added ammonia to the new tank for about 2 weeks before I transferred fish.
I monitored ammonia and nitrites before I transferred the fish.

 

[Finthusiast]

What do you mean you added ammonia for two weeks Im just curious I know hardly anything about even what ammonia is but isnt it bad for the tank how come you added it? Thanks for the reply by the way!

 

[Zanzag]

The ammonia is for the beneficial bacteria to feed on. Do not add ammonia if the fish is moving with the filters

 

[duanes]

Ammonia is the natural by-product of fish metabolism, and is toxic to the fish.
In a fish less cycle, household ammonia (without additives) feeds the beneficial bacteria.
If you move fish and filter together, adding extra ammonia is not necessary, it will kill fish.
Any decor such as rocks, driftwood, or partial substrate (even a couple handfuls) from the established tank, will also carry beneficial bacteria, because that bacteria lives as biofilm of surfaces (including the inside glass walls on your established tank.).

 

[Finthusiast]

Alright very interesting! I have been noticing the glass starting to get “dirty” but havent messed with it yet cause want to make sure its not a bad sign like is there a certain color that would be bad to have building up ? The glass has some brown spots and mostly white but also appearing over my plants should I remove this? Is it harmful to plants?

 

[Zanzag]

Nope normal algae and diatoms growth. Not going to hurt anything. Just unsightly