GouramiGirl1221

So, I'm experiencing my second mini-cycle of my fish keeping career, now in my betta tank, after medicating. I've heard that many of you keep sponge filters running for this very reason, so I just placed an order on DFS for sponge filters for all my tanks to avoid this issue in the future (the little money I spent on the things will be well worth the reduced stress). Now, I've never seen one in person, but from what I've gathered you can either connect power heads or air pumps to these things? What are the pros and cons to using one or the other? Obviously I don't want to hook a power head to the one I'll be putting in my betta tank, but would that be a better option for the 29, 55, and 75 gallon tanks?

And how long should I leave the sponge filter for the betta in an established tank in order for it to seed well? For some reason I'm thinking I read 2 weeks somewhere, but I just wanted to double check. Thanks in advance for the help...sorry if the questions seem silly.

capekate

Hi Gouramigirl
I have found that just buying extra sponge and stuffing them into my tanks filters keep me with plenty of good bacteria laced sponges for when they are needed. This way I can remove one and add to another filter when such as the case with you, meds were used and lost bacteria needed to be re seeded.
You are right, it is my opinion as well that at least two weeks should reseed your media.
Best of luck.