New filter cycle

[spence0416]

I currently have an established 10 gal. I started a biowheel on the 10 that I want to move over to a new tank. First question is how long should I leave the biowheel on the etablished tank before moving over to the new tank? Also how long will the new tank take to cycle with an already established biowheel?

 

[lmw80]

IMO, I would say to leave the biowheel in the established tank at least until it starts rotating abnormally. Then you know it's good and "primed". As far as how long it will take to cycle.....hm....I don't think it would take long at all. You already have the established bacteria you need, add a few fish to keep up the ammonia, and (to use a quote from Emeril) BAM!

P.S. Welcome to Aquarium Advice

 

[Allivymar]

Just to add to lmw's advice, it will take at least 2-3 weeks for the biowheel to start having a decent sized colony of bacteria. You'll also know its built up a good size colony as the grey, folded paper on the wheel will become brownish in color.

The tank will be cycled as soon as the mature biowheel is added. Keep in mind, cycled means there is enough nitrifying bacteria to handle the amount of ammonia given off by the fish, and the amount of nitrites that ammonia is converted to. Depending on how many fish you add, and what sort of bioload they add to the tank, you may not even see a spike of ammonia or nitrites.