How fast will this cycle a tank/be fish safe?

HI everyone. I have an establish 10 gallon and a 10 gallon that just started cycling. The new 10 gallon has .2 ammonia. I just put 2 small cartridges (about 2x3.5 inches) in the back of my established tank filter, right up against the main filter cartridge. How long will it take for enough bacteria to build up on the 2 minI cartridges and when can I move it to the tank still cycling? When will it be safe to add fish to the new 10g? Thanks!

 

The consess is 2 weeks. In reality it is a little more or a little less. Only a microscope will tell the truth.

 

The consess is 2 weeks. In reality it is a little more or a little less. Only a microscope will tell the truth.

2 weeks to build the bacteria up on the small carts?

 

Size doesn't play much of a roll. Time does.

 

Size doesn't play much of a roll. Time does.

Yes, I wanted to clarify if the 2 weeks was to build bacteria or 2 weeks until the new tank is safe to add fish. So 2 weeks to build up bacteria, then I can add those carts to the uncycled tank, then I can add fish right away? Or should I give it 48hrs to add fish?

 

In theory the cartridges should have some beneficial bacteria on them. So you should be able to add them to a new a tank and have an instant cycle.

 

In theory the cartridges should have some beneficial bacteria on them. So you should be able to add them to a new a tank and have an instant cycle.

Okay, thank you!

 

The bacteria self replicates in 12-24 houres depending on temperature.

 

The bacteria self replicates in 12-24 houres depending on temperature.

True, but it can take several weeks for bacteria to replicate enough to populate two new cartridges so that it can handle the bioload, in a new tank, if it's fully stocked. Sien, if your established tank has been established ans stable for 6 months or so, you could run the 2 new cartridges with the existing one for a couple weeks. You would then probably be safe just moving the established cartridge over to the new tank. You'd need to stock the new tank with about the same bioload of fish within 7 days or less to keep the bacteria alive and you would need to keep a close eye on parameters of both tanks for a couple of weeks to be sure the bacteria is working in both tanks.

 

A new cartridge at its best will be half of the current bio load. So that's why its all in theory.

 

True, but it can take several weeks for bacteria to replicate enough to populate two new cartridges so that it can handle the bioload, in a new tank, if it's fully stocked. Sien, if your established tank has been established ans stable for 6 months or so, you could run the 2 new cartridges with the existing one for a couple weeks. You would then probably be safe just moving the established cartridge over to the new tank. You'd need to stock the new tank with about the same bioload of fish within 7 days or less to keep the bacteria alive and you would need to keep a close eye on parameters of both tanks for a couple of weeks to be sure the bacteria is working in both tanks.

It has only been established and stable for about 3 months. How will that affect it? Side note, how can I add more tanks in the aquarium details under your avatar photo and info? That way people can see my tank info more easily, I only have 3/5 of my tanks listed. Thanks for that info.