Buying 125 gallons tank/ fish..

enterprisedothan

anyways i just started this hobby. started on some gold but they die of ich. it was to late to do treatment because i was lack of knowledge. then i did a complete water change and let it cycle for a week. went got 2 Goldfish, 2 fan tails, and 2 algae eater. 3 days later i notice sign of ich " the fish was already infected before i got it". started treatment temp 83/84 degree, and salt. i hope this work.. but anyways that just info about my experience leading to the question. someone is moving and trying to sell there complete Aquarium "this is what she say i haven't look at the tank yet but saw a picture it was very nice " 125gal tank with everything exp. custom stand $600, 125gal tank, $300 filter system, with 7 fish "so far i know 2 of them are parrot fish. she is selling her house and buyer did not want it. asking price $600 for everything i think this is a really really good deal. but if i get it i don't have holding tanks for them while main tank is be cycle. i was thinking about going to wal-mart and buying the big plastic storage container wash it out and place them in there for 2 days while tank is being cycle. here is the thing i want to buy it and it would suck if the fish die because of me. so any suggestions?

JohnnyD44

well first off....hello and welcome to the forum!

You're new 125G will take more than 2 days to cycle....it will take anywhere from 2-8 weeks to cycle depending some several differnet factors, if you can get your hands on some established filter media and add it to your tank, it'll help just start you're cycle..

...is the lady's tank up and running now? why can't you transport everything and use their filter which should be established and add the fish right away? then you can add the fish you have now, once they are cured of ich....

jeaninel

It sounds like the tank comes with the 7 fish and is already cycled. So it will just need to be broken down, transported and set back up as quick as possible. Get some 5 gallon buckets and put the fish in those along with some tank water. Put the gravel in another bucket and add just enough tank water to cover the gravel. Make sure you keep the filter media wet using some tank water also. You shouldn't have too much of a mini cycle but you'll need to monitor your water parameters for a week or so after you've set it back up.

enterprisedothan

thanks for the info everyone.. learn something new everyday. so a running filter helps in the tank cycle? i think im going to use johnnyd44 option. take it all down transport it like jeaninel said. just keep the filter wet with tank wanter right? first set everything. im going to add API tap water conditioner and biological filtration booster in the water. after that i put the fish in? if anyone knows a better method feel free to add. and what else to use or better products let me know. thanks again people.

JohnnyD44

don't waste your time transporting all of the 125G's worth of water, keep in mind that is close 1,000 pounds to haul, along with the tank too....there isn't much benefecial bacteria in the water. There's some but not enough to warrant hauling all 125G' of it. Just like Jeaninel said, take a couple of 5G buckets along with you...fill a few of the buckets halfway with gravel and cover them with water, take the water level about 2 to 3 " over the top of the gravel....fill a few buckets with the fish and then fill one for the filter media

once you get home re-assemble it all as quickly as your can. Just add some water conditioner to all the new water you are adding to your tank also. You will want to pick up an API LIQUID test kit....it will be the best $26 bucks you spend on your tank. Don't waste your time with the dip strips, they are un-reliable and give false readings.

Once you tank is set-up you will want to test your water daily to watch out for any spikes in ammonia, nitrite, or nitrate...partial water changes can usually help lower all of those. once established, you will need to do a 20-30% water change everyweek to keep your tank healthy

Good Luck!

jeaninel

Pretty much covered it in the above post. Just make sure your new tank is to the right temperature before you add your fish. I would acclimate them like you would new fish, either in a large bag and float them in the tank or use the drip method while they're in the bucket.

Enjoy your new tank!

Guppyluver4ever

NICE a 125 GALLON TANK!!!!!!! u must be so excited