How long does it take for bacteria to grow?

[hulkamaniac]

I just set up a 75 gallon that I bought. The tank came with a canister filter. I moved the fish from my 55 gallon into my 75 gallon tank. I move the power filter onto the 75 gallon as I want to use it to cycle the canister. How long until I can pull the powerfilter off and leave just the canister? How long will it take for the bacteria I need to grow on the media in the canister?

 

[rich311k]

I would run both filters for about a month. That should enough time for the new colonies to establish.

 

[Zagz]

In the meantime keep an eye on your parameters, to make sure the levels remain acceptable and do necessary water changes.Good luck with the new tank.

 

[Fishyfanatic]

A month sounds about right.

 

[F-18 TECH]

In the past in order to speed up the process of bacteria growth I have placed about a gallon (3.78 Liters) into the new tank to give it a good start on bacteria. Using your filter will do the same thing only it may take a little longer.

 

[Fishyfanatic]

Water does not hold bacteria like a filter does. A tank can not be cycled just by adding old water.