Cycling new tank with water and substrate from established tank?

[Ashishw78]

Hello,
I am planning to setup a 20gal tank. Will it be wise to borrow some water/substrate form someone who has a healthy tank and cycle an empty tank?
I want to stock up this tank with small schooling fish like neon tetras.

 

[Aiken Drum]

Hi ashishw78

Taking from substrate will help a little.

I wouldnt advise using any water from an established tank. There is very little beneficial bacteria in the water column, so there is little to no benefit from doing this. All you will really getting are the bad things that might be living in there.

The best thing to move to your new would be a little filter media from the established tank, or get an old sponge and rinse it out into your water. You might still get something you don't want, but at least you know you are getting the beneficial stuff you do want.

 

[Ashishw78]

Thanks Aiken. I am planning to make it a nano fish tank. Do you think I can do away with 1-2 weeks of cycling?

 

[Aiken Drum]

You can either fish in cycle or fishless cycle.

Using some established filter should speed up the process whichever route you go, but its impossible to say by how much or how long it will take to cycle. It will take as long as it takes.