Topic: OMG! neef help quick

[dr. cichlidae]

Well first thing is nursing gt back to healthy status. i have plans of building a 100 gal tank but recently ran into a snag on that project as i got laid-off from my job and now it will take a little longer than i had hoped. so i'm not real sure about how to handle the situation 'cause i know the gt won't be able to stay in that small tank long. i did, however, get the opportunity to (while picking up the tank from my sister in law) to see her 90 gal cichlid tank housing a 14" tiger oscar, 10" parrot, 8" severum,  6" firemouth and a 5" knife fish. beautiful.  i did tell her about your forums here and i would bet she will be checking it out soon. she's currently having an algae problem. and i couldn't help but feel that space was a little cramped,  since  it is about a 36" tall x 24" x 24" tank.

[dr. cichlidae]

I do have a question,  can i get away with just taking enough water out of my 55g to fill the small tank for the gt without worrying about the water cycling again?

[Dale]

I do have a question,  can i get away with just taking enough water out of my 55g to fill the small tank for the gt without worrying about the water cycling again?

   Hello mate. First off you're right, your sisters tank is definitely over stocked and the wrong shape for those fish. I'd be amazed if there isn't any fighting going on. The algae problem is most likely the cause of high nitrates in the water.
   Secondly. Yes, you would be fine using some water from your 55. Although, will you be using a ready established filter that you can plonk straight in? If not, the tank will still require cycling to build the bacteria in the filter.
If its a new or unused filter, try to put some media from an up and running one into it. It's not ideal, but again, keep an eye on the water quality until it sorts itself out.     

[dr. cichlidae]

Thank you. i am using filter media that has already been established. gt's doing fine, the only thing i'm noticing is that he is almost constantly pecking at the glass. i'm thinking the reason being that he thinks he can go into the background picture i have on the tank, and the 55 he came from had no background picture and is visible from all sides. and he may not care for the smaller confines.

[Dale]

It's quite possible. How big is the tank? Sorry to hear about work by the way, that sucks 

[dr. cichlidae]

It's only 5 gallons but it was either that or let the jd kill him. bought me a little time anyway. i'm about to go look at another 55 complete i spotted in the classifieds for 30 bucks. yes it does suck about work, supposedly only for two weeks, but who knows. this makes 6 weeks since october but at least they're telling me that i still have a job.

[Dale]

It seems to be tough everywhere bud. Keep ya chin up. 

[dr. cichlidae]

Thanx, will do.