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Is setting up a big tank the same as one smaller? My brother just bought a 55 gal tank and I was trying to help him with instructions on how to set it up. I was just wondering if all the same guidelines apply in setting up a 55 vs. 20. Also, how many Danios will it take to cycle a tank this size? I want to prevent many of the mistakes I learned the hard way. I would hate to see him get discouraged and give up like many do. Any helpful input will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Chris

The same guide lines should be applied in planing and setting up all types of tanks.
Write down all the steps that should be followed before you even start. This will form the basics of you plan.

The bigger the tanks the bigger the filtration, etc. I personally think a smaller tank is harder to set up and maintain as there is very little room for any errors.

I would say 10 danios would be a bare minium it depends if you want to keep them after the cycling.

Get him to ask lots of questions rather that rushing into it.

Also teach him to be very patient.

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Keith

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The process is the same, it's the same bacteria after all .

Since you have established tanks that are hopefully disease free () you could offer him some of your filter media and gravel to help seed the tank.
They'll need about 1/3 stocking for the cycling process. I suggest having your brother sign in here, introduce himself and get addicted .

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Takes a bit more waste material or ammonia to get them started, and theres more risk of "eddies" or still patches of water , so place decor, pump outflows and spray bars on best possible locations for decent water movement.

Thanks for the info. Unfortunately my brother lives in a different state than I do, but he does have a friend with an established tank and I did tell him to ask to take a handful of gravel. I figured everything else would be pretty much the same, just on a bigger scale... I got him to buy some books and do some research so hopefully he doesn't have to make too many mistakes (we all wish that we didn't, but nobody is perfect and it seems that we all have or do...)Thanks again..

Oh wait... Does anybody know, do "large" (or) "giant" Danios do just as well on a cycle, or does that just amount to more waste?