Algae Eater

I am cycling (fishless) a MARINELAND Bio-Wheel 350 in a new 10 gallon tank and when the filter is finished cycling I plan on transfering it to a 55 gallon tank when I have that all set up. I wanted to cycle the filter as soon as I got it so that when I set up the actual tank it is meant for I wouldn't have to wait so long to add fish . But it occured to me that transfering the filter, especially to a bigger tank, might cause it to have a mini cycle. If anybody knows anything about this, or how long a mini cycle might take, please share any tips!
Thanks! ~Chris

Lucy

Hi Chris congrats on cycling without fish.
You're right.
It's harder to seed a larger tank from a smaller one. The colony of bacteria on the 10g filter would be small compared to what you'd need in the 55.
However, you do have a good start.
If it were my tank, I'd put the seeded filter in the 55, bring the ammonia up to 4-5ppm and see how long it takes to process.
If after 12-24 hrs, your ammonia and nitrites are 0, you'll know you're cycled.
Oh, of course, you should have nitrates for their effort. lol

Algae Eater

Thanks for the info! ~Chris