anyone know the answer?

ok so i've had my new tank setup and running for a week with an old filter bag from my other tank that has been cycled for some time now, ok now heres the question, the bag I'm using(aquaclear 20) isn't made for my new filter(aqua-tech 20-40) which uses pads, just using it to seed the new one. just wondering how long it would take for the bacteria to grow on the new pads, and when I remove the bag, will the bacteria that's been built up be affected. I'm going out tomorrow to buy the big test kit tomorrow, so I should be able to give some readings then if there are any

 

Good, get your test kit then you will be able to know when your tank is cycling. OK, I take the filter bag out after a week, but that's just what works for me as soon as I get nitrites I take it out. as long as you're feeding your tank with ammonia of some sort bacteria is forming in you filter and gravel.

But remember to only add fish once your ammonia is 0ppm and nitrite 0ppm and nitrAte is at lease 10ppm - then your tank has cycled.

Good luck
Kerry

 

ok here are my readings

ammonia-2ppm
nitrite- 0.50ppm
nitrate-10ppm

 

You're not quote there yet.

 

You're getting there I think another week and a half then your ammonia and nitrite should be zero, but remember to keep "feeding" your tank!