Seeding a second tank

[PilotGav]

I have an established 30 gallon tank, and just purchased a new 10 gallon tank. Both tanks are using HOB filters.

I'm running the new filter beside the old filter on the 30 gallon tank. How long should I keep the new filter on the 30 gallon in order to be sure it's fully seeded?

 

[Bbush]

As long as u can wait! Lol

 

[Mumma.of.two]

At least 2 weeks but the longer the better. You can take some media from the old and put it in the new to speed it up.

 

[Bbush]

Good point. That is what I did on my new tank, along w some gravel. Worked like a charm!

 

[PilotGav]

It just hit me – I have a 2.5 gallon tank that's fully cycled, which will go out of commission.

If I move the filter media from the 2.5 gallon into the 10 gallon filter – will that severely shorten the cycle time? It can stay in there permanently.

 

[Mumma.of.two]

Yes it will. What was in the 2.5g and what going in the 10g? The 10g could be instantly cycled for a small bio load.

 

[PilotGav]

Yes it will. What was in the 2.5g and what going in the 10g? The 10g could be instantly cycled for a small bio load.

Two African Dwarf Frogs. I'll be moving them to the ten, and then adding either a Betta, or a small school of hearty fish.

 

[Mumma.of.two]

What you can do is move the frogs and their filter media to the 10 at the same time. Keep an eye on params for a week or two then if everything's sweet add the betta.