Cycling with "old" Gravel

[shecky71]

How long does it usually take to cycle a tank with "old" gravel?
I know with my other tank it took me about 4 weeks to do it with brand new everything. In this case I am going to use some of the original gravel and some new gravel. I will also add some plants from an established tank as well. I just don't want to keep the fish "cramped" in my other tank during this cyle. (I am taking over a tank from a friend)

Just wondering if you had any thoughts.

Thanks,
Shecky

 

[Dr Joe]

Hi shecky71,

Check out this thread http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38885 He posted a chart, I think it's #9..

Now all the questions...

How big is the tank?

What kind of filtration?

% of old vs new gravel?

What kind of cycling (fish or fishless)?

What are the water spec's now (did you dechlor the water or age it)?

Although aged gravel is an asset it's not a cure. If you can also put used filter material in the filter that will help more than the gravel do to water flow. If no extra filter material, put some old gravel in the top of the filter.

All variables aside the gravel and filter material amy only push the cycle by a week if it's a bigger tank.

Dr Joe

.

 

[Lil_Stinker]

Also, is the gravel dry? if its been sitting dry for a while, then not so much, gotta stay wet & be fed. put in used gravel straight from another tank. both using UG then you will see some reduction in time, you will get water movement over the rocks...

 

[shecky71]

Thanks for the great advice and help!

The tank is still running now. It's a 29 gallon with a filter running on it. I'm not sure what the water paramaters are right now but it is going to change anyway. I plan on doing a fishless cycle with about 70% new gravel. I will have access to the old filter as well. When I get the tank I will dechlor it myself. My tap water here is pretty hard and is a low pH. My planted aquarium is around 7pH and 6 degrees KH.

Again, Thanks for the help!