How long before new sponge filter starts working in a running tank?

[Oscarum monstruoso]

I searched before posting this thread and theres a lot of talk about seeding time, but nothing that explains my situation.

I have an established 54 gallon tank that I wanted to add a sponge filter to, so I got one, hooked up the airhose and put it in my tank.

How long before its colonized and starts biofiltering? I assume its a gradual process if so when will it reach full capacity?

 

[aclockworkorange]

Impossible to say, at least a couple weeks. Also, it would only grow to match your bioload, you can't add 20 sponge filters and have them all seeded. There's only a finite amount of beneficial bacteria that can grow in your tank based on its food source (your bioload). So if more is growing on a sponge, less is in another filter.