How long to establish BB colony in an FX5?

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jonclark96

Polypterus
MFK Member
Mar 8, 2009
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Frederick MD
I recently added a FX5 to my 180G that is being filtered by an Eheim 2028 and an undergravel powered by power heads. I know, UG is old tech and makes a mess in the gravel. That is why I picked up the FX5. My question is how long should I run the FX5 in conjunction with the UG to get the BB colony established? I want to take out the UG, but don't want to go through a mini cycle in the mean time.

Your thoughts are appreciated.
 
The tank has been up a running for over a year. The bacteria colony is established in the tank. Most bio filtration is being accomplished by the under gravel filter. It does cause a great deal of mulm in the gravel and vacuuming is a chore. I want to shut down the under gravel, so I have added the fx5 full of bio media to do the job. I just don't want to shut down the UG too early and cause an ammonia spike. Testing the water is useless, as there is no ammonia in the tank already.
 
It probably won't take very long at all since the tank is already established, not to mention the eheim you already have running. I'd think it will be safe to kill the UG after a week or so, but it can't hurt to wait 2 weeks to be safe.
 
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