Cycling with mature tank water

[freybizzy]

I've decided to revamp my old 5.5 gallon and turn it into a planted crustacean cove. I also have a 55 gallon tank with near perfect water parameters. Is it possible to cycle the smaller tank using a few gallons of water from the 55 gallon to build up bacteria?

 

[ScotJudd]

Hi. I would use my main tank water to cycle a smaller tank myself. However, there is not a huge amount of BB in free water and although it would be better than treated tap water it might need a helping hand. Can you put some of your filter media from your main tank into your new tank filter as a 'starter culture'. This will speed up the process. I assume it will be a fish less cycling so I would add ammonia to a level of 4ppm to give the bacteria something to feed off.
Sorry, went off piste! Yes, good idea, use your tank water.

 

[Fishperson]

No, not much BB live in the water. Use a decoration or filter media from your established tank.

 

[Sk3lly]

Filter media from old filter. Its not the water that makes a tank 'cycled'. Its the beneficial bacteria which are found largely in the filter. Although you will also have some on decorations and substrate

 

[gilpi]

I've decided to revamp my old 5.5 gallon and turn it into a planted crustacean cove. I also have a 55 gallon tank with near perfect water parameters. Is it possible to cycle the smaller tank using a few gallons of water from the 55 gallon to build up bacteria?

A 5.5 gallon is easy maintenance. I would put the plants and the crustaceans in, set up a filter, heater and go. You can do a one or two gallon water change every day or every other day, your filter will eventually cycle.
Enjoy!

 

[tnfinfan]

I'd go used filter media. Cycling is much faster with a seeded filter.