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Hi, I've recently purchased a new tank - I've gone from a 38litre to an 85litre. I've put in water, gravel, plants, a bit of the filter and fish from the old tank. There is additional new gravel, new filter system and all that extra water. Am I right in thinking I'm back to square one with the nitrogen cycle? My current Ammonia level is 0.25 and 0 nitrate which the same levels as the old tank. I have 9 fish (3 black widows, 4 Serpae Tetras and 2 platys). Would love to give them some more friends soon'ish!

Also question number 2 ... are there any troubles adding same species to existing fish. Now I have more space I'm thinking of adding a few more of the same (Widow Tetra & Serpae Tetras) to encourage schooling and hopefully stop them nipping new fish when the finally arrive. I'm just wondering if there will be any hostile reaction from the old fish to new ones as they can be a bit nippy.

Thanks for your help.

Welcome to the forums! I'm sure that you will learn a lot during your visits here.

As for the first question you asked, you are correct. The new tank will have to cycle again, though it will go by more quickly with the gravel and filter from the old tank. The bacteria in them will speed up the cycling process, and you will be adding fish in no time!

Adding more of the tetras is a very good idea, I recommend keeping almost all tetras in schools of at least six. As such, adding no fewer than three black widow tetras and two serpaes would be best. The existing fish probably won't have a problem with the new additions, unless they are much smaller than the originals. Even so, tetras will usually accept more of their own kind with no troubles. They are happy to have more of their own species to swim with, and that makes them feel more secure. There is no point in beating up a blessing, so tetras quickly make friends with newcomers.

Last edited by sirbooks at 27-Mar-2005 22:15

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And when he gets to Heaven, to Saint Peter he will tell: "One more Marine reporting, Sir! I've served my time in Hell."

Thanks so much for your response and warm welcome.