Fluval 406 Set Up For Guppies

New to the group and have several questions about guppy keeping. A little background. I'm a science teacher and have a 55 gallon tank that I have keep rainbow trout in 3 years ago. I was thinking about getting it going again but with guppies.
1. I have a fluval 406 that I have some media for. I have some polishing pads one foam block, chemistry pure and white diamond left over. I also have some old biomax that came out of the trout tank. Can I reserve all this or should I go ahead and buy all new? If I buy new what would be the recommendation for how and what to fill the 406 with.

2. I've also seen a lot about filter sponges. Could I just run a big one of those and not use the 406 or could I use both.

3. Can I also reuse the gravel that I already have?

I'd like to start the tank as cheap as possible.

 

You can reuse all of that, just be sure to rinse it well. Definitely use the 406 if you have it.

 

I thought so just wanted to make sure.... Any pointers of what to put into the trays specifically and what order.. what would be best on bottom tray. Then the next tray up and so on to the top tray.

 

Absolutely re-use all of it.

If you just moved the trout out and it still has a cycle, I'd keep the cycle going by adding ammonia or new fish right away. If it's been dry for a while, I'd probably get new filter media so it's all clean and fresh.

I put the "floss" stuff on the bottom. That removes all the dirt, poop, food, etc. Then put the bio balls and ceramic little things. Last I put activated carbon. You could put carbon before the bio media too. That part doesn't matter, just but the floss on the bottom as the first layer.

But more importantly, tell us about your trout.... Were they for food or for pets?

Either way, that had to have been an interesting experience.

 

The trout are long gone. I had them in part with the trout in the classroom program . I would get eggs in the fall and raise them till spring .we would have a big release party for the students in the spring . They would get about an inch and a half. I did it for 3 years. My responsibilities at school increased and I haven't had any for the last 3 school years.

 

Ahh gotcha. That’s a cool project.

Trout are one of my favorite fish, hence the username... lol.