Preping media for a fishless cycle

[flitabout]

I am setting up a 36g tank for my daughters for Christmas. I was planning on just moving an entire filter over to their tank for an instant cycle but the tank I ended up getting comes with a filter and after just coming through a mini cycle I am terrified to remove any of my filter material. I did just get a new canister and I added all of my old filter material in to the canister and I haven't had any issues with my levels since adding the new filter with all of the old media.
So how do I prep media to add to the new tank when I set it up without crashing mine and sending it through another mini cycle. But still giving the new filter enough bb to cycle it quickly?

 

[Rivercats]

Can you add the new tanks filter onto your old tank until your ready to set her tank up?

 

[flitabout]

I don't know if it will fit after just putting in the media from my old filter. But I will give it a try.

 

[flitabout]

Well that was a lesson learned! Well several actually.
1. The filter that comes with the Aqueon Bowfront kit looks like a giant piece of crap there is another word I would like to use right now, but I have been using them for the last several minutes so only my kids heard me.
2. When opening a canister filter and this is a big one! Make sure that it isn't still syphoning out water! *inserts nasty language here* Otherwise you will be cleaning up several gallons of water that are quickly being sucked out of your tank!

 

[flitabout]

I don't have enough plugs. Crap and my feet are still wet. The filter cartridge that came with it didn't fit in my canister. I think I am just going to buy her a new filter altogether.

 

[Rivercats]

Ouch is all I can say! Fluval canisters like a 306 or 406 would be good. They have easy water shut off, dual disconnect, and self priming. I've been using them since the 80's.

 

[flitabout]

I just got this marineland c-220 on sale for $75 on black Friday. So I am stuck with it for a while. But I won't forget that little issue with it! Otherwise it hasn't been bad just a PITA to prime.