Transferring Media To Instant Cycle

Hey everyone.

I currently have a 55 gallon in the works. To jump start things. I'd like to take some of the media from my cycled 20 and put it in there to seed it. I also have an old filter running some extra media to get some bacteria on it to increase the amount I transfer. My questions are:

1. If I transfer media but not enough to fill the new filter, how does the cycling process work? Do I run it as normal and add fish and monitor?
2. For the media I just put on to get some bacteria, how long will it take before that media is properly seeded?

Thank you

 

Unfortunately, its not always that easy. If you plan on adding less established media instead of fully, you must add very little fish at a time to prevent a bacterial bloom and subsequent tank crash. As for seeding, it all depends on the amount of media, stock, tank size, and maintenance.
Most fishkeepers consider “mature” media more than a year old.

 

Unfortunately, its not always that easy. If you plan on adding less established media instead of fully, you must add very little fish at a time to prevent a bacterial bloom and subsequent tank crash. As for seeding, it all depends on the amount of media, stock, tank size, and maintenance.
Most fishkeepers consider “mature” media more than a year old.

Ok. Since I'm transferring partial media, would it be better to go ahead and do fishless? That's also why I asked. I know with fish keeping a lot of things that seem simple/easy usually have more science and work that needs to happen behind them. Thank you!

 

Ok. Since I'm transferring partial media, would it be better to go ahead and do fishless?

Yes.

 

Yes.

Sweet. Thank you.

 

Sweet. Thank you.

No prob.

 

It works very well but as stated you have to stock slowly for awhile until the BB catches up.

 

No prob.

It works very well but as stated you have to stock slowly for awhile until the BB catches up.

Where is a good place to get ammonia that is pure. I see a lot of people concerned about having clensers or the like in it.

 

Ace Hardware is a good source for pure ammonia. Local which is very cheap or online. At about $3 for a supply adequate to cycle 50+ tanks. It is worth it and you can mop the bathroom floor with the extra. Complete control over how much ammonia you are dosing with a med syringe that costs a buck.

 

Just use fish food for the ammonia source, then do weekly water changes, or whenever to keep it below 20ppm.