Pre-establishing filter media.

[rallysman]

Is it possible to fully establish filter (for another tank) media in a sump?

I have biomax, sponge filters, and pot scrubbers in my sump. I was wondering if it would be possible to pull the media, put it in another sump (or tank), and have a ready to go tank. Will it be enough, or just enough to jump start the cycle.

also, how long should I leave it in before attempting anything?

 

[Gr8KarmaSF]

how long should I leave it in before attempting anything?

good question...

my thoughts are you would have to test the water and be sure to have some fish in the new tank to continue the cycle?

im about to do the same thing soon!

 

[LiuHsi]

What is pot scrubber?

 

[rallysman]

 

[milkman407]

What sponge filters if you dont mind me asking?
and i think it would work aslong as you have some fish int here to cycle it.

 

[rallysman]

What sponge filters if you dont mind me asking?
and i think it would work aslong as you have some fish int here to cycle it.

I've got some azoo sponges and some I made. Which tank are you talking about having fish in? lol

 

[milkman407]

the new one?
can i see a pic of sponges cuz i need to add some stuff to my nylon scrubbies.

 

[milkman407]

And it would probably go through a fast cycle in like 24 hours than it would be good to go imho.

 

[cougar579]

Well it would all depend on the size of the tank and the estimated bio-load. If it were a smaller or same sized tank you would be fine. I would even say a additional 50-100 gallons would work as well. Regardless you would for sure have a jump on the cycle if it were a much larger setup.

 

[tb_077]

I've done this before and never had a problem. I think that problems would only occur if the bioload of the new tank was much greater than the established tank, which the media came from. Even then, you'd have a good jump on the process and it wouldn't take long to fully establish.