How much media?

[SWerner13]

I have gotten in contact with one of my professors and he says he has a 55 gallon tank and will help me with some media. How much should I get? (I know as much as I can get but how much is good enough?) what kind? i.e. Something from the filter? Gravel? Some plants?

Thanks for the help.

[buddha_red]

A sponge from the filter and a cup of gravel plus any plants would be a huge aid in cycling a tank. If you cant get the sponge, get a ziplock baggie and squeeze the sponge in a ziplock baggie. that should give you a good amount of bacteria to seed a tank. you wont avoid a cycle but you will speed it up for sure.

[SWerner13]

Thanks I know every little bit I can get helps I do not know what the man will be willing to part with just yet.