Fast tank setup ?

[Troy]

I purchased some new cichlids and want to start a new tank fast. I got a 40 gal grow out tank for 5 Pseudotropheus elongates "Chewere". I cleaned the tank then put in 4 pieces of slate (from another tank) and a new piece of flag stone. Then from a well developed tank, I took 20 or more rocks with some good green algae on them. 5 plants of java fern two handfuls of java moss a piece of bogwood with java moss on it. Also A aqua clear 500 which had been on a previous tank running for 4 months since its last cleaning. Then did water changes from 2, 55 gal cichlid tanks and put this water in filling about two thirds of the tank with the last third coming in as new treated water.

It is now 7 days post purchase of these cichlids they are sharing one third of a divided 55 gal tank with 10 Pseudotropheus Socolofi. I have done 3 water tests on the 40 gal, all come in with good ranges for these cichlids. There have been no changes in water results for 7 days. I am wondering if I have avoided having to wait to cycle this tank for 3 weeks. I have twice had to net one of my Chewere out of the other part of the 55 gal tank, how these guys get across is a mystery. I am now wondering if It should be fine to transfer these 5 Chewere to the new tank? I did not have a spike in Ammonia levels so now I am pondering my choices. Do I wait another 2 weeks or can I trust the water test results and put in the cichlids. With all the water and rocks and filter coming from another tank does any one think I will have problems... if I put the Chewere in now? Thanks..... Troy.

[Greg Turner]

The filter is the most important part of the cycling, and if you've just moved the filter from the 4 month old talk then your good.  What are you testing for BTW?  

If you get surges of NH4 then just use AmmoLock 2.  That will keep the fish healthy while it cycles (Yes, NH3/4 modified by AmmoLock 2 can be digested by the bacteria).  Or, do water changes alot until it settles.

Good idea using the plants for the initial setup, they help absorb some of the NH3/4 and NO3.