Seeding a sponge filter

[Jrdpitt46]

Will running a sponge filter say 4-5 weeks in an established grow enough bacteria to help cycle a new 55 gallon aquarium. Also how much bacteria is on rocks or plastic plants also from an established aquarium to help cycle?

 

[claudio1]

you can run the filter in the "mature tank" for 4-6 weeks to jump start the bacteria culture in the new filter and help you cycling the new tank.


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[henningc]

It should be fine as long as you then let it run another10-14 days in the new tank. Also any items from the established tank help but in no great amount.

 

[Hibiscusmile]

You can help it along by adding things from the first tank too, & then removing them before adding your tanks fish or plants back to original tank, this way you dont have a chance of infecting the old tank in case something goes wrong in the new tank.

 

[ghyti]

Will running a sponge filter say 4-5 weeks in an established grow enough bacteria to help cycle a new 55 gallon aquarium. Also how much bacteria is on rocks or plastic plants also from an established aquarium to help cycle?

Yes, works like a charm. You only ever need to cycle the first one. Just remember the bacteria grow to accommodate the Bio load, so if you only have two filters in the first tank you are removing 1/2 the good bacteria( not really a big deal as they can double in number every 24 hours). Start the second tank with a bio load about 1/2 of the original tank if possible. Most of the bacteria are in the filter, very little elsewhere. Don't let the filter run in the tank without an ammonia source as the bacteria will go dormant without ammonia to consume.