4FlushCrush

My question: Can I seed a new tank using media from an existing 1? Will it shorten the time it takes to cycle

Hi, I have a few freshwater tanks and had a BW/SW tank for my GSP, puffer whom left us to be in heaven a few days ago. I recently purchased a 46 gal. bow front tank but had no time to get it ready b/c I was busy learning and setting up the puffer tank. I spent a lot of time setting up a 30 gal. Great fish, a little difficult for beginners but really neat fish. Only draw back is the tendency for them to eat, nip and kill just about any tank mate u can find, which are limited to BW/SW (low) set ups. Just do your homework before bringing one home!

Time to continue with my original plans for a FW community tank. My daughter just loves everything and anything to do with sharks. So, I thought I might purchase the smallest, youngest Bala sharks I can find. I know its not the ideal size for them but I plan on getting a min. 55 gal. tank very soon. Hoping to find a larger tank @ a good price before I settle for the 55g. I'd rather not use the fish to cycle the tank, especially since I can seed it with something from one of my existing FW tanks, like the filter media.

So my question is (sorry for the winded post) what is the best way to seed a new tank? I'm assuming this will shorten the time it takes to cycle the tank. Would adding snails help it cycle? What is the optimal number of Balas I should purchase, was thinking 3-5. I also want to put the pleco in this tank. He is currently in a 10 gal., much to small for him even though he's a little guy right now. Could I safely add some additional fish to this setup, smaller schooling fish for example?

Thanks for any help you can give me or point me towards...

PS. Curious if there are any other FW shark type fish I may want to consider? I read somewhere that Bala's and red tail sharks do not cohabit well together. Our puffer was entertaining and different then most fish. Are there any other FW fish that have unique personalities.

Tc,
Jr

Lucy

You sure can jump start the cycle with used filter media, a good handful of gravel or some decorations from an established tank.
The length of time it takes to fully cycle depends on the amount of bacteria transfered over.
I've had instant cycles and ones that took a few days to complete. Just keep an eye on your parameters.