Cycling new tank--use HOB filter media in sponge filter tank?

[bodotdot]

I have an established tank with a hang on back filter.  I just filled a new bigger tank with a sponge filter.  Can I put some of the hang on back filter floss in the tank next to the sponge filter to help cycle the tank? The floss has the beneficial bacteria, but it would just sit on the bottom of the tank.  Would that help anything?  There are no fish in the new tank.

[xXInkedPhoenixX]

Yes! You absolutely can, in fact I usually squeeze out the filter media into the new tank (if any of it is squeezable) to get it moving a little better. The grosser the stuff the better. :-) 

 

And welcome to the forum! 

Edited November 4, 2023 by xXInkedPhoenixX

[bodotdot]

Thank you!

[LisaEHern]

Hi, dumb question alert:

I have used media from previous tanks to cycle several new ones over the past three years. But, in those cases, I had hang-on-back filters and it was simple to put the used media into the new. 

Now, I have three smaller bubble tanks. I put in sand, plants, wood and then added a bag of ceramic filter media from the donor tank. But, this time I am using a sponge filter (small tank). All seems well. I have fish in the new bubble and numbers look good (no traceable ammonia, nitrite, nitrates). I added four fish total and, numbers still look good. Now, one of those guppies was pregnant and now there are about 20 little ones in addition to the four full grown. 

The filter media bag is floating directly above the sponge filter, so the bubbles hit it. 

All seems well but I wonder how long I need to leave that bag of filter media in the tank before the bacteria are on all the other surfaces. I don't want to disturb the peace, but it looks silly floating there hanging from the branch. I also don't want to try removing it and waiting for water tests because of the babies. If there is any ammonia or nitrites, I know they will be toast. 

Any advice? Thank you!

[LisaEHern]

Hi, dumb question alert:

I have used media from previous tanks to cycle several new ones over the past three years. But, in those cases, I had hang-on-back filters and it was simple to put the used media into the new. 

Now, I have three smaller bubble tanks. I put in sand, plants, wood and then added a bag of ceramic filter media from the donor tank. But, this time I am using a sponge filter (small tank). All seems well. I have fish in the new bubble and numbers look good (no traceable ammonia, nitrite, nitrates). I added four fish total and, numbers still look good. Now, one of those guppies was pregnant and now there are about 20 little ones in addition to the four full grown. 

The filter media bag is floating directly above the sponge filter, so the bubbles hit it. 

All seems well but I wonder how long I need to leave that bag of filter media in the tank before the bacteria are on all the other surfaces. I don't want to disturb the peace, but it looks silly floating there hanging from the branch. I also don't want to try removing it and waiting for water tests because of the babies. If there is any ammonia or nitrites, I know they will be toast. 

Any advice? Thank you!

[AllFishNoBrakes]

@LisaEHern Something like 2-4 weeks should allow the beneficial bacteria to colonize the new tanks. 

[LisaEHern]

Awesome, thank you so much for the reply!

[LisaEHern]

Awesome, thank you so much for the reply!