TikkiMar Posted September 25, 2020 Share Posted September 25, 2020 How long does it take for beneficial bacteria to grow on a new sponge filter when placed in an already cycled tank? I want to switch to a sponge filter because my current hang on the back is submerging and killing my floating plants. However, I'm worried that if I remove my old one too soon, the sponge won't have enough beneficial bacteria to safely maintain my tank. If it helps, the tank is a 5.5 gallon planted betta tank and has been running for about seven months now. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Administrators Cory Posted September 25, 2020 Administrators Share Posted September 25, 2020 I'd say give it at least a week. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TikkiMar Posted September 25, 2020 Author Share Posted September 25, 2020 Ok, thank you for your help! I appreciate it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andy's Fish Den Posted September 25, 2020 Share Posted September 25, 2020 I'd agree with Cory, depending on the bioload, I would leave it for a week or so before i stopped using the HOB. If you have a large bioload I would maybe leave it running a little longer just to make sure there was enough beneficial bacteria on the sponge filter to not cause any issues. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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