seeding a new filter with BB?

[richard4878]

I just purchased a Fluval FX5 off of ebay because the price was right. My new 180 will not be setup for at least a month. Would it be a good idea to put the FX5 on my up and running 125 to build up BB? Or should I setup the 180 and let cycle naturally? Any input is appreciated.

Rick

 

[jdryden]

Personally I would go ahead and set it up and start seeding it. At least that way the cycle time will be shortened.

 

[ziggy2]

It will definatly shorten the time to cycle. It won't do away with it, it will just shorten it.

 

[DasArab]

Id be a bit worried that your 125 will look like a whirl pool as im asuming you have more than enough filtration on there at the moment. I would wait untill your ready to set up the 180, when you do water changes from the 125 put the water in the 180 then rinse out the media from the filters on the 125, even put some filter media from the 125 into the fx5.

 

[Ianab]

Would it be a good idea to put the FX5 on my up and running 125 to build up BB?

As long as it doesn't blow your fish out of the water that will be fine.

Then when you set up the new tank in a months time just transfer the Fx5 and some of the fish to the new tank. Split the bioload and filtration between the 2 tanks at that time.

Or - if you dont do that just split the biomedia from the existing filter between the 2 filters and carry on.

Personally I would like to run the Fx5 for a while just to make sure there are no problems with it. If you set it up in your existing tank, run it for a while and then find it needs minor repairs it's not a panic.

Cheers

Ian

 

[richard4878]

Thanks for the replies gentleman. I just got the fx5 delivered to my door today for 190 USD. I cant wait to plug this thing in and get it going. I am going to try it on my 125, but I will keep an eye on it to make sure the fish aren't getting hammered by it.

 

[shookONES]

Definetly add it to the 125g. If you feel the flow is too strong, at the very least add the media to the tank so it gets seeded. Waiting for a cycle to wind up is torture haha.