300 gallon jump start cycle

[busymom23]

I just got a 300 gallon tank and plan on using media from my 55 to jump start a cycle. But I don't understand the process. Because the tank is empty, should I add food to the tank until I add fish? Should I still test the water? Any help is appreciated...

 

[jaguargod]

I had to cycle the hard way, but from what I understand, depending on the quality and quantity of your seeding material, it is possible to almost immediately cycle it. Maybe more realistically you might expect a few days to a week. Couldn't hurt to add some crushed fish food for nutrients and check the water parameters regularly. Since you are seeding, I guess you should hold off on any water changes until the bacteria have a chance to attach to surfaces within the aquarium. Maybe someone else has some insight into that.

 

[busymom23]

I was going to use the 2 sponges from 2 hang on filters that came with my 55 gallon kit. Those Filters suck so I bought a canister filter for the 55, but left the sponges in so I could use them for seeding.