cycling

[rickyricardo]

I have been advised that the media (filter) in a HOB on a small tank that I am taking down would be benificial in a 125gal that I am cycling. I was also advised to just drop the filter in the water.

This is what I have done. So now I need to know a few things. First is this a good idea, secondly how long should I keep it at the bottom of my tank and lastly what exactly is going on when I do something like that. I mean I know it is meant to improve bio filtration, but exactly, specificly what is happening.

thanks.

 

[StIcKy~RiCe]

it's good to move a full filter that been running that been for a long time to help you improve the cycling time. Because there is tons of bacteria in there to help the cycling faster.

normal cycling time when start out fresh is 3-4 weeks time frame depending on your how old or new is your filter. since you start of fresh it will take 3-4weeks unless you have full funtion of filter from other tanks to help you cycle the tank quicker.

 

[CoryWM]

I have been advised that the media (filter) in a HOB on a small tank that I am taking down would be benificial in a 125gal that I am cycling. I was also advised to just drop the filter in the water.

This is what I have done. So now I need to know a few things. First is this a good idea, secondly how long should I keep it at the bottom of my tank and lastly what exactly is going on when I do something like that. I mean I know it is meant to improve bio filtration, but exactly, specificly what is happening.

thanks.

The whole purpose of porting over a filter, or "anything" from the older tank. Is to move over the beneficial bacteria. You know when you touch anything in the aquarium, or glass, and it feels slimy? that's your beneficial bacteria, it grows on any surface that is under the water. That is what converts your fish waste into less harmful nitrates.

If you bring that into your tank, it'll spread more easily. If you can use any of the old gravel, or filter media in the new filters. or any of the decorations, those will all come with beneficial bacteria, as long as they've always been wet and not allowed to sit out of the water. This bacteria will spread on the rest of your new tank, thus speeding you up.


The cycle mission statement. "To get your spanky new tank and filter media and decor, covered in beneficial bacteria, to process the waste of the fish you want to keep.

The best real life example is. How hard is it to start a fire, by rubbing two sticks? Pretty hard... That is like putting a brand new tank together without bringing anything over.

Now how hard is it to start a fire, using a stick that is already on fire? pretty easy, and it spreads pretty fast. Same thing as the bacteria, Bring over the bacteria, and it'll spread like wildfire!

 

[rickyricardo]

The whole purpose of porting over a filter, or "anything" from the older tank. Is to move over the beneficial bacteria. You know when you touch anything in the aquarium, or glass, and it feels slimy? that's your beneficial bacteria, it grows on any surface that is under the water. That is what converts your fish waste into less harmful nitrates.

If you bring that into your tank, it'll spread more easily. If you can use any of the old gravel, or filter media in the new filters. or any of the decorations, those will all come with beneficial bacteria, as long as they've always been wet and not allowed to sit out of the water. This bacteria will spread on the rest of your new tank, thus speeding you up.


The cycle mission statement. "To get your spanky new tank and filter media and decor, covered in beneficial bacteria, to process the waste of the fish you want to keep.

The best real life example is. How hard is it to start a fire, by rubbing two sticks? Pretty hard... That is like putting a brand new tank together without bringing anything over.

Now how hard is it to start a fire, using a stick that is already on fire? pretty easy, and it spreads pretty fast. Same thing as the bacteria, Bring over the bacteria, and it'll spread like wildfire!

Thanks, this does put it in perspective. But as far as how long should I leave that HOB filter in the bottom of my tank?

 

[CoryWM]

I would just run the HOB filter on the tank if that's an option. Otherwise, put the media touching the gravel, and leave it for say a month?