How long to develop bacteria on media/filter from established tank?

[Zapero]

Hey All,

How long would you say it takes for a HOB filter or cup of gravel to develop a good colony of bacteria from a well established tank?

I would say 1-2 weeks?

Water temp I believe is about 74 degrees. Has 16 Africian Cichlids and is 75 Gallon Tank.

Reason I ask is because I have been cycling my 90 gallon for about 10 days now but was thinking about taking my HOB filter from the 75 and placing it in the 90 and adding a couple EBJD's. That is all that will be in there for quite a while...

The HOB I cleaned out and put back into established 75 about 10 days ago as well.

Also, do powerheads that I have had in my established tank have bacteria in/on them? They have a algae/residue film on them... Just thought I would ask?

Any thoughts?

 

[Mumma.of.two]

IMO for a filter 2-4 weeks. For gravel longer.