eagerinsight

My friend has an identical tank setup and same filter. He is willing to give me his filter media from his cycled tank. How quick will my occupied (4 platies) un-cycled 10 gallon tank cycle?

Without his filter media, will my friends tank still have enough bacteria to sustain his tank?

There are two parts to the filter, 1 filter with charcoal, and a smaller messed sponge looking thing. Which of these should I take, or should I use both?

Tavel

You can't take both of his elements, that will remove too much bacteria. The entire filter assembly probably contains about 70% of the bacteria in the tank, the elements themselves probably hold about 50% total. (now, I've never actually measured this, so it's just an estimation. lol)

Anyway, putting one of those elements into your tank will give you about 25% of the bacteria you'll need...which is PLENTY to start off with only a couple fishies (say...25% of your friends tank load. haha).