Thoughts on cycling a tank by using a filter from established tanks?
- Thread starter Orthopod
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I don't see any issues. As long as stock is added immediately. My only worry would be disease
I have not had to cycle a tank since the 80s, and I have started many tanks since. By using/moving cycled filters, bags of media, substrate, and decor the need to cycle has been negated.
I do use sumps, and in all those sumps (many months before starting a new tank) are placed everything from containers of sand and other substrate, logs, rocks, old bio wheels just about anything that sinks for that purpose. And when starting a new tank I use as much "stuff" covered in bacteria as possible, and move everything within moments of beginning filtration in the new tank, I do not leet it sit a day, or even a few hours before moving to the new already filled tank, or sump ready to go.
I do use sumps, and in all those sumps (many months before starting a new tank) are placed everything from containers of sand and other substrate, logs, rocks, old bio wheels just about anything that sinks for that purpose. And when starting a new tank I use as much "stuff" covered in bacteria as possible, and move everything within moments of beginning filtration in the new tank, I do not leet it sit a day, or even a few hours before moving to the new already filled tank, or sump ready to go.
This is one of the reasons I use a surplus of ceramic medias. Should the need arise to set up a new or quarantine tank, I just utilize the ceramic media from an established canister filter that's already in operation.
There's the notion, that's been around forever, of using water from an established tank will cycle a new set up. Do not do this. All you'll be doing is moving waste by-products to a new set up, since bb are not prevalent floating in the water column. There's probably some, but not enough to be effective. So, use 100% new water for the new tank set up.
There's the notion, that's been around forever, of using water from an established tank will cycle a new set up. Do not do this. All you'll be doing is moving waste by-products to a new set up, since bb are not prevalent floating in the water column. There's probably some, but not enough to be effective. So, use 100% new water for the new tank set up.
I need to add extra clay to my aquaponics canister, it didn't occur to me before but I'm establishing more tanks soon. I did it before using a sponge filter so it should be okay
Out of curiosity - has anyone had this lead to (probably very minor) "mini-cycles" on the previously established tank that the media is coming from?
I would think that BB colonies populate to equilibrium - to the extent that all of the ammonia/nitrite resulting from the bio-load is consumed, at which point "new" colonization essentially ceases. When you remove media that has established BB from one tank, you are essentially creating a deficit, correct? The BB will need time to recover, during which your water parameters should suffer, no?
duanes
- you say you include bags of substrate, decorations, media, etc. Have you ever experienced anything like this?
I would think that BB colonies populate to equilibrium - to the extent that all of the ammonia/nitrite resulting from the bio-load is consumed, at which point "new" colonization essentially ceases. When you remove media that has established BB from one tank, you are essentially creating a deficit, correct? The BB will need time to recover, during which your water parameters should suffer, no?
duanes
- you say you include bags of substrate, decorations, media, etc. Have you ever experienced anything like this?
I'm certain there would be a slight deficit for a very brief time, but it should be a non issue if the established tank is not overstocked and you practice good, adequate w/c (in my case, my w/c regiment is over 100% weekly). Bacteria tends to reproduce quickly, so all the keeper has to do is slightly increase their w/c frequency and/or volume from the norm.Out of curiosity - has anyone had this lead to (probably very minor) "mini-cycles" on the previously established tank that the media is coming from?
I would think that BB colonies populate to equilibrium - to the extent that all of the ammonia/nitrite resulting from the bio-load is consumed, at which point "new" colonization essentially ceases. When you remove media that has established BB from one tank, you are essentially creating a deficit, correct? The BB will need time to recover, during which your water parameters should suffer, no?