Can I leave old filter sponge media in new tank?

[Mikeymikerson]

Hi guys

Quick question.

I am completing a fish in cycle thanks to advice of lfs!! . Also I am completing a fishless cycle on a more suitable larger tank.

The original tank with the fish in has a basic cheap filter/pump that has 2 sponge cubes in it about the size of small ice cubes. Once both tanks have cycled and I have moved my fish over could I simply take the sponge cubes out of the filter and sit them in the new tank to preserve the bacteria in case I need to reuse the smaller tank and not have to restart the cycling process?

I know some people just run both the filters in the new tank but I am just wondering if the bacteria will thrive on the sponge when no water is being drawn through it? And therefore save on electricity and the planet by not running 2 filters unnecessarily.

If its ok to just leave the sponges sitting in the tank dormant, then I could hide it somewhere in the tank.

Cheers

 

[Littlebudda]

Yes you can

 

[kuhlkid]

I appreciate you ecological reasoning, that said many keepers, myself included, run multiple filters long-term for the sake of having a failsafe in the system, so to speak. If a filter impeller gives out and needs replacing, it can be nice to have a second, fully established filter already running while repairs are made.

But that's secondary to your question-- yes, I agree with the above, you can certainly transfer the sponge blocks to whatever filter basket suits your setup best.

 

[StarGirl]

Yes you can as stated above but I would add....I would put them in the filter instead of just sitting in the tank. To have the flow going through them will keep a stronger colony than just sitting on the bottom.

 

[ProudPapa]

Yes you can as stated above but I would add....I would put them in the filter instead of just sitting in the tank. To have the flow going through them will keep a stronger colony than just sitting on the bottom.

. . . and if there isn't room inside the filter then put them near the filter intake.

 

[Kevinthebreeder]

Waterflow is still needed for the bacteria to get food so you have to put them in filter. They can survice without food for a few days though.

 

[Mikeymikerson]

I think like i will run both the filters in the new tank. Seems like a shame to give up on good bacteria. It is quite small compared to my fluval u2 so I will stick it in the corner detach the venturi and probably wont even notice its there.