Pre Seeded Media

[Etan]

http://www.angelsplus.com/FiltersSpongeActive.htm

I stumbled on this tonight and found it interesting. Does anyone here have any experience with this place in particular?

I've never used seeded media in a new tank. Are the claims of completely cycled in 2 days legit? I really don't know how fast bacteria grows.

*Cliff Notes*
You can purchase seeded sponges from their disease free tanks.

 

[Jhay3513]

I'd bE interested in knowing how people know their aquarium is cycled in 24-48 hours. As for the company why wouldn't they just stick a bunch of sponge filters in an aquarium and do a fish less cycle with ammonia to seed the filters to ensure that they're disease free. Doesn't sound like anything I'd be interested in personally. I like establishing my own bio culture with ammonia when starting a new setup generally

 

[#.$]

I'd bE interested in knowing how people know their aquarium is cycled in 24-48 hours. As for the company why wouldn't they just stick a bunch of sponge filters in an aquarium and do a fish less cycle with ammonia to seed the filters to ensure that they're disease free. Doesn't sound like anything I'd be interested in personally. I like establishing my own bio culture with ammonia when starting a new setup generally

I agree the risk is too high in populated tanks. Fishless cycle would be the best way to go to pervert any kind of cross contamination. Also every bio load is different what works for them in their shop may not work for your aquarium at home. Let's say your tank is producing more ammonia than the filters biological capabilities will still send the tank too a shock.

 

[Jhay3513]

I agree the risk is too high in populated tanks. Fishless cycle would be the best way to go to pervert any kind of cross contamination. Also every bio load is different what works for them in their shop may not work for your aquarium at home. Let's say your tank is producing more ammonia than the filters biological capabilities will still send the tank too a shock.

Yep absolutely. I do the constant 4ppm of ammonia method. The cycle is ridiculously strong. Most of the BB will end up dying off once you stock the tank but you'll then have a cycle that perfectly matches your stocking. Buying dirty sponges sounds flaky imo. I'm not that impatient especially when I'm spending top dollar for the fish I want. The weeks it takes to cycle fishless is worth the wait

 

[J. H.]

I've never used seeded media in a new tank. Are the claims of completely cycled in 2 days legit? I really don't know how fast bacteria grows.

I don't know about the place, but the 'instant cycling' idea holds true. I have started tanks using media/substrate from previous ones, and had zero to very small cycles. If this place is legit, I would comfortable putting fish into the tank one day later. BTW, your lfs will probably give you seeded media free if you ask for it.

I do the constant 4ppm of ammonia method. The cycle is ridiculously strong. Most of the BB will end up dying off once you stock the tank but you'll then have a cycle that perfectly matches your stocking. Buying dirty sponges sounds flaky imo.

I will tell you, I would never start another tank and cycle it again. It is so frustrating, and using a BB starter from another tank has always worked for me. Yes, by feeding ammonia, you can create a massive BB population that your fish won't be able to support. But why would you want to?

 

[Jhay3513]

I don't know about the place, but the 'instant cycling' idea holds true. I have started tanks using media/substrate from previous ones, and had zero to very small cycles. If this place is legit, I would comfortable putting fish into the tank one day later. BTW, your lfs will probably give you seeded media free if you ask for it.

I will tell you, I would never start another tank and cycle it again. It is so frustrating, and using a BB starter from another tank has always worked for me. Yes, by feeding ammonia, you can create a massive BB population that your fish won't be able to support. But why would you want to?

What's frustrating about it lol? You just keep ammonia at 4ppm until the cycle is finished it's not rocket science. I had a few fish that kept catching disease. So I broke my tank down and sterilized my entire system. I wouldn't want to go through all of that only to use some seeded media and possibly expose my system to another disease. I'll be patient and take my time for reassurance for 500 Alex!!!!

 

[Jhay3513]

Yes, by feeding ammonia, you can create a massive BB population that your fish won't be able to support. But why would you want to?

The purpose is that you can fully stock your aquarium at one time and you'll have enough BB to support it. Very great for African cichlids keepers that over stock their tank or someone with big messy cichlids like oscars that generate a lot of waste. You can add them and never worry about a crashed cycle. If you don't have multiple tanks where would you get your cycled media? From a fish store or friend which could possibly contaminate your nice shiny new system right from the start

 

[#.$]

I don't know about the place, but the 'instant cycling' idea holds true. I have started tanks using media/substrate from previous ones, and had zero to very small cycles. If this place is legit, I would comfortable putting fish into the tank one day later. BTW, your lfs will probably give you seeded media free if you ask for it.

I will tell you, I would never start another tank and cycle it again. It is so frustrating, and using a BB starter from another tank has always worked for me. Yes, by feeding ammonia, you can create a massive BB population that your fish won't be able to support. But why would you want to?

To avoid death of the tank? I would understand if the source is well known, for instance you own tank that has been running for several months with no new additions.

I guess it's not as big of a deal if it's a guppy or hatchet tank. I personally like to keep kamfas which the last thing I want to do is import a fish and have it die because I couldn't wait a month....

 

[Jhay3513]

I personally like to keep kamfas which the last thing I want to do is import a fish and have it die because I couldn't wait a month....

That was the same mentality I took when it came to Me buying these Haitiensis and reading all of the posts about their sensitivities. I'd rather play it safe. An empty aquarium isn't that painful to have for a few weeks if it means more stable conditions for your prized fish!!!!!

 

[#.$]

That was the same mentality I took when it came to Me buying these Haitiensis and reading all of the posts about their sensitivities. I'd rather play it safe. An empty aquarium isn't that painful to have for a few weeks if it means more stable conditions for your prized fish!!!!!

Wise choice since nasty are prone to bloat an internal parasites. Beautiful fish will probably add a pair to a 75 in the future.