k1 micro cycling

[Jez1992]

Hi Sorry for another k1 post but can't find much on micro.

I have 15litres of k1 micro in centre of sump being powered by 20lpm air pump.

However been set up 2 weeks now and when air pumps are off it sort of stays at top, but when pumps are on the media literally just gets pushed up and sits above water level, regardless of location of air stones.

I have tried stones in middle, at end and in corners but no avail.

What's is best way to get k1 micro moving? Do I need to leave air pump off completely until it's sinking or just move them about?

Thanks

 

[rodger]

You should use 60% k1 & 40% water.

 

[millerkid519]

What air pump are you running? What are the dimensions of the chamber? How many lites of k1m

 

[Jez1992]

There's 15l of k1 micro so I bought a 20lpm air pump as thought was 1 lpm per litre of media.

Sump compartment is 1 ft wide, 2ft deep and water level about 10 inch tall so about 45litre total

 

[millerkid519]

That should be alright. How do you have your air stones set up in the bottom?

 

[Jez1992]

That should be alright. How do you have your air stones set up in the bottom?

Yeah I thought so and only have 4x2.5x2 tank and have fluidised sand filter already so don't need anymore! Lol

I have tried with two 4 inch round stones in centre, at sides by glass and tried bubble walls but it all just ends up pushing media out of water?

Does it need more time to start sinking or is it my placement of the air?

Thanks

 

[awdawg]

I don't think your k1 has the bacteria built up on it yet to give it the weight it needs to start moving.

 

[Jez1992]

I don't think your k1 has the bacteria built up on it yet to give it the weight it needs to start moving.

So should I leave air off completely to allow it to as at the moment most isn't even in the water?

How long should it take?

Thankd

 

[millerkid519]

No leave it running everything sounds good but it takes a really long time to sead

 

[BMac91]

I am newer to K1, but I put all my existing bio media in the section with my K1 and it was tumbling within 2-3 days. My only issue was I had to rework some of my air placement because of the flow going through my sump was pushing it to one side.

My suggestion would be, if you have any preexisting ceramic rings or biomedia of some kind, move it to the section to assist in seeding the K1. Seems to have worked great for mine.

Might also try going in and periodically stirring it a few times a day, pushing it under water, seeing if you can get the air pushing it with your assistance. Worse comes to worst, could also return your 20LPM air pump and bump to a 30LPM.