Fish Addict

What would you say the best and fastest way to cycle a tank would be? I currently have another big tank running, so I would be able to seed it with gravel, a used filter cartridge, etc.
Thanks, I am wanting to get fish ASAP!

Lucy

Seeding it with gravel and filter media is the quickest way.
If there's enough bacteria, it can instant cycle.

Fish Addict

Really? Awesome! How much gravel would I want to put in? Also, how would I know whether or not it is cycled? Do I need to add in some source of ammonia at the same time too?

Lucy

Which tank is established and what one are you going to seed?
You don't want to take too much from the established tank (don't want a mini cycle).
You can use couple handfuls of gravel put into clean never seen soap panty hose and a peice of used filter media.
If you want you can test it with ammonia or add a couple of fish and keep your eye on your parameters. Do water changes if necessary.

Or you could run the new filter or put the new media in your established tank for at least 2 weeks.

jorabi

I would say as much gravel as you have available to put in. However, I found gravel didn't do too much for me though. I had a cycled tank, with all of the old gravel and plants, and I had to change the filter (as I bought a new tank and wanted to take the old filter to the new tank), and even with all of the old water, gravel, plants, decorations and tank itself, it still took close to 4 weeks.

Fish Addict

I am cycling my 20g.
I've been waiting to order my fish, so I think I will order them soon. How long would you expect the bacteria to live w/o ammonia, so I can decide when to put the gravel/filter cartridge in?

Lucy

I'm not sure exactly, I wouldn't go any longer than a day or so.

aquarist48

Hello. I seeded my 26g with media and gravel, plants and water from my 155g. I added 2 Bloody Parrots and 2 cory cats. It took 15 days to cycle and I did 6 50% water changes during those 15 days and a few changes of 25%. I also used Nova Aqua + and Amquel + as my conditioners immediately. Good luck with your cycle. Hope you share some pictures along the way! Have fun!

Fish Addict

Okay, well I've had the filter cartridge in for a while and it's been only nitrates, now the only thing that I was wondering is, is it fine to take the filter cartridge that I was using out? I wasn't sure whether or not enough bacteria has spread.