A Different Kind Of Mature Media To Use?

[BlueDragon]

So I bought these little plants yesterday that are the type that are already rooted. They came in little plastic baskets. And around the roots was this wool type stuff. It's a greenish brown and obviously full of bacteria, algae etc. And since I'm trying to do a Fish-in cycle, and therefore want it to happen as quick as it can do, I was wondering if I could use it as a type of mature media and shove it up into my filter cartridge? It looks pretty manky in a way, but I know that that must mean it's good stuff. Plus it has a lovely deep earthy smell, like healthy tanks should have. But I don't know where the plants were grown or where they've came from, so thought it was best to ask peoples opinions first. Right now I have it sitting in a cup of used tank water, so it's being kept wet.

I do have some used gravel that I was given hanging up in the main tank and on the ground of the smaller one, but was just wndering if this 'plant wool' could be of benefit and maybe speed things up that little bit more?

 

[deftuch]

its a really good question. but i think youl find that wool type stuff isnt harbouring much bacteria instead its more nutrients for the plants. but to be fair i dont see how it woudnt kick start everything off for you

 

[BlueDragon]

Thanks : )

So you don't think there's any harm in using it? There must be something in it, it's slimy and green. And I'm thinking every little helps, right?

 

[Aqua Tom]

Probably no "harm" in using it but I seriously doubt that it will be benificial. We often see people on here using gravel, old ornaments etc but unless they have come from a tank with an Under-Gravel filter (eg a filter that uses the gravel as a media) then it would not hold any benificial bacteria worth speaking of.

If you can get hold of some media from an established filter, this would definitely kick start your cycle.


Tom

 

[BlueDragon]

Aww that's a shame, I really thought I found something good there.

I can't get hold of any filter media 'cause I don't know anyone who I can get it off. But I do have some used gravel from the petshop. They do use undergravel filters so they gave me the gravel as the next best thing. And it has proven really good stuff, don't get me wrong on that. I'm two weeks into the cycle and I know it's helped loads. I saw a big difference after just two days. but I just thought that maybe this wool stuff could help thing along a little bit more.

Oh, well. Never mind.

 

[tomtomtom1230]

Yeah, the foamy, spongey stuff that comes attached to plants' roots will also break down and break apart after a week or so. It's purely to keep the roots wet when they're in the plastic bag on their way to your tank!

 

[BlueDragon]

Just as well I didn't just go ahead and use it then : /

I'll chuck it.