Cycling tank and biological additives

[Hank82]

I personally would remove a small portion of the seeded fluval sponge but only if the 30 gallon is completely cycled. Place the portion into the filter for the 112 gallon.

I am sort of new to this, but I have charcoal in both tanks should that be removed?

 

[tlindsey]

The bio bacteria on the small portion will boost the process.

 

[tlindsey]

I am sort of new to this, but I have charcoal in both tanks should that be removed?

I personally don't use activated charcoal in any of my filters. I only use it to remove meds which I haven't done in years. Personally add more Bio Media instead of the activated charcoal.

 

[tlindsey]

I personally don't use activated charcoal in any of my filters. I only use it to remove meds which I haven't done in years. Personally add more Bio Media instead of the activated charcoal.

I feel that charcoal can mask problems. A healthy aquarium will have a slight earthy smell if everything is stable.

 

[Hank82]

I feel that charcoal can mask problems. A healthy aquarium will have a slight earthy smell if everything is stable.

I plan on removing it soon. But will this prevent cycling?

 

[tlindsey]

I feel that charcoal can mask problems. A healthy aquarium will have a slight earthy smell if everything is stable.

Correction not the aquarium but the media.

 

[tlindsey]

I plan on removing it soon. But will this prevent cycling?

Absolutely not.

 

[tlindsey]

I have 6 aquariums up and running never used charcoal in any of them during the cycle process.

 

[Hank82]

I have 6 aquariums up and running never used charcoal in any of them during the cycle process.

I thought everyone was using it and it was needed, until i got on this forum and did a bit of research

 

[tlindsey]

I thought everyone was using it and it was needed, until i got on this forum and did a bit of research

Yes not everyone uses it but it's their choice if they want to use activated charcoal.