MunkeyFish

I have just set up my 16 gallon tank. To help get the cycle started I decided to use a pre-existing media filter from one of my established tanks.

I'm assuming "filter Media" is a used filter from a tank, so I put it in the bottom of the tank to sit, I've also put a fair amount of fish ammonia into the tank to help kick up the ammonia level.

By using a filter media, typically how long does it tank for the tank to cycle?

Red1313

I don't know for sure, is the media in the new filter? If so it would probably be almost instantly. If not then I'm not really sure. But someone who knows more should be along soon.

MunkeyFish

aww, well I appericiate the response aleast

Lucy

Hi MunkeyFish if I didn't say it before, welcome to Fish Lore.

Seeding a tank with used filter media (assuming it was in an existing tank for at least 2 weeks) should give you an instant cycle.
I've done that with a couple of my tanks and to set up a quick quarantine tank.
Just keep your eye on your parameters for the next week or so.

I'm not sure what you mean by fish ammonia.

MunkeyFish

Thank you so much! yes the filter was from a tank that was has been cycled for about 3 months, the filter its self was an old one that I took out to replace with a new one. The fish ammonia sentence was a typo lol sorry bout that.

so the tank will cycle within a few days then?

Lucy

It should be cycled now since the object of cycling is establishing the benefical bacteria, make sure you feed it you don't add fish right away.

If you're unsure and want to test the bacteria, add some ammonia, if it falls back to 0 in 24hrs, you're good to go.

Fishies-for-me

The only thing I would add is the filter pad should ideally be in the filter itself imo to give the best results...good luck

MunkeyFish

the new filter wont be able to hold the old filter media

Lucy

You can tuck it behind the intake tube or hold it down with some gravel, it'll seed just fine.

MunkeyFish

thats exactly what I did lol