flotus48

I'm in the process of starting up a series of 4 tanks in my basement. I'm using the fishless cycle option #2 1 piece of raw shrmp and I have added a used media filter pad from a canister filter from my tank upstairs. The water is already begining to turn milky white which tells me bacteria is blooming. I am going to start testing the water. BTW I set this tank up Saturday(11/14 ). My question is as I get each tank cycled can I just take that filter pad and move it from tank to tank?

Shawnie

I wouldnt move it tank to tank just yet....using established media is a GREAT idea but established for longer thank a few months to hold a good cycle and be able to instantly cycle another tank..its too unstable when first set up IMO

Beth1965

Flotus, i agree with Shawie, the media has to be set in a cycled tank for a few months before it will do you any good.

flotus48

The filter media I'm using has been in a canister filter for at least 3 months.

Shawnie

for this tank thats fine but i wouldnt move it to another tank for at least 3-4 months after this one has been established....

flotus48

What would you suggest I do to cycle the other 3 tanks? Just use the raw fish and let nature do it's thing? See I want to have the other tanks cycling at the same time.

Shawnie

I would yes ...using the raw shrimp or getting some tetra safestart...if you can find that, then you will be cycling a different way and we have members that can help with that also

do not let any LFS talk you into anything but Safestart....as they will

flotus48

Thank you! everybody.

10gallonmadness

Well it depends. How long was the pad in the established tank? If more then a month or so you should be fine.

Oh sorry. Didn't realize people already posted about this.