5 Gallon Tank How long to seed a new filter?

[sairving]

I currently have a 3 gallon betta tank with a HOB. I'm moving my fish to a 5.5 gallon tank in the next few weeks. For the new tank, I'm switching to a sponge filter. How long will I need to run both filters?

 

[RayClem]

My recommendation would be to run both filters indefinitely. It is always good to have two filters as you can clean one of them and leave the other undisturbed. However, if you do not want to keep the HOB, it would be good to run both of them for at least six weeks. Not only do you have to get bacteria developed on the new sponge filter, but on the glass and in the substrate of the new tank.

 

[APColorado]

4-6 weeks has always been my rule of thumb

 

[sairving]

My recommendation would be to run both filters indefinitely. It is always good to have two filters as you can clean one of them and leave the other undisturbed. However, if you do not want to keep the HOB, it would be good to run both of them for at least six weeks. Not only do you have to get bacteria developed on the new sponge filter, but on the glass and in the substrate of the new tank.

I'm not sure if I want to run both of them yet. Right now I'm leaning towards running just one filter but that could change.

 

[Islandvic]

With a 5g tank, consider performing WC's 2x a week.

That will ensure any slight ammonia build up will be knocked down by the WC's.