just bought a new 55gal never used. im am currently cycling it right now. the lady at the lfs said if i put some decor and a filter from my other cycled tank i can have it done cycling in 48 hours. is this true? if not how long will it take (i have a medium sized log and the filter from one of my cycled tanks in there right now.)
very important question!
- Thread starter arowanaking
- Start date
No, not 48 hrs 
. If that is exactly what the LFS said, smile nicely and back away. Come here and read up on things and ask questions if you can't find it or don't understand something, we're here to help.
Adding decor/gravel/driftwood brings along with it some of the bacteria needed for the filter. Remember it's the filter your cycling not the tank, the tank is the nutrient source and water storage
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The bacteria have to break loose from whatever they are attached to and find their way thru the filter media to the bio-media in the filter, attach themselves there (if they don't flow right thru) and start to multiply according to the amount of nutrients in the water.
Some filter material from a working filter placed on top of the new filter material is best for this seeding operation. (just rinse lightly in used tank water, it's not the detritus that you want, it's the bacteria that remain).
Two weeks minimum cycle time, but watch the parameters to know exactly whats going on.
What are you feeding the filter? Fishless cycle?
Dr Joe
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. If that is exactly what the LFS said, smile nicely and back away. Come here and read up on things and ask questions if you can't find it or don't understand something, we're here to help.Adding decor/gravel/driftwood brings along with it some of the bacteria needed for the filter. Remember it's the filter your cycling not the tank, the tank is the nutrient source and water storage
.The bacteria have to break loose from whatever they are attached to and find their way thru the filter media to the bio-media in the filter, attach themselves there (if they don't flow right thru) and start to multiply according to the amount of nutrients in the water.
Some filter material from a working filter placed on top of the new filter material is best for this seeding operation. (just rinse lightly in used tank water, it's not the detritus that you want, it's the bacteria that remain).
Two weeks minimum cycle time, but watch the parameters to know exactly whats going on.
What are you feeding the filter? Fishless cycle?
Dr Joe
.
Dr. Joe-
i have placed the filter of one of my cycled tanks in the 55. sisnce you said the filter needs cycling shouldent that affect the time it takes greatly? i plan on making this a TEMPORARY oscar tank if that makes any difference.
i have placed the filter of one of my cycled tanks in the 55. sisnce you said the filter needs cycling shouldent that affect the time it takes greatly? i plan on making this a TEMPORARY oscar tank if that makes any difference.
It should shorten the cycling time somewhat, but don't expect anything. Make sure to test your water regularly, once you have 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites, and nitrates starting to show up, you're good.
Don't put anything important in there until your cycle is fully complete.
Don't put anything important in there until your cycle is fully complete.
as of now i have 0 nitrites a small trace of nitrates and about 2.0ppm ammonia. how much longer i have to go? (days?, weeks?)
if youre using a filter from an esablished tank, then there's no need to wait. its already cycled. what type of filter is it and what size tank did it come from?
not sure the size of the filter pad but it fits the 55's filter..and it came from an established 24gal