Will this develop beneficial bacteria?

[ridewithme38]

I've been told the majority of beneficial bacteria is stored in the filter on the media....But i was wondering...If i slipped something like this onto the end of my HOB intake pipe....
Fluval Edge Pre-Filter Sponge - Filter Media - Fish - PetSmart

Or will it not have any effect at all?

 

[jetajockey]

yes, bb will grow on that also. a prefilter sponge also serves as a form of filter media. BB will be concentrated in the area of the tank with the most available oxygen/food so an area with high water flow like a filter, or even a filter pickup tube, is prime.

 

[ridewithme38]

So heres another question along the same lines...

Can you have TOO MUCH filter media for your tank to cycle...i.e. currently i have two of those pre-filters listed above on my two HOB filters, i have a 3" spongefilter and a 4" spongefilter....Do you need more nitrofying bacteria for more surface area for a cycle to start or will it start when just some is growing

 

[jcolon]

The amount of BB will be determined by the Bio-load. To ensure your BB has enough room for them to colonize, having media with tons of surface area helps.

Just add stock and let nature do the rest. A pre-filter sponge I think's a great idea ... can't hurt ... just more surface for BB to colonize.