Bacteria question.

[nitro]

How long does it take for a piece of filter media(internal) to get sufficient bacteria on it you could use it in another tank?

 

[jflowers]

Could you expand the question a bit?

If you mean how long does it take for the bacteria to collonise the media in an internal filter, then once the tank is cycled, there is enough bacteria.

If you mean you are replacing a peice of filter media and how long will it take for the new peice to be collonised, then, it depends.

There are other ways to take that question, so I hope I got it

Jon

[EDIT: If the it is replaced by so in your question, which I think is what you mean? Then, it would depend on lots of things such as size of tank, filter, how many peices of media are there in it. Could you possibly cut the existing media in half and cut the new media in half and use half and half in each tank?]

 

[OohFeeshy]

Aboot a month, usually. But don't hit me if I'm wrong.

 

[nitro]

Sorry, i should of explained myself better.

Yes, how long would it take bacteria to conolise on a filter media in an internal filter in a cycled tank?

Days,weeks?

 

[Inchworm]

Hi nitro

If you are starting a new filter to move to an uncycled tank, plan to leave it in there 2 to 3 weeks to be on the safe side. Then stock your new tank a few fish at a time.

Don't forget that there is also beneficial bacteria in the gravel, on the plants, and all the other surfaces of a cycled tank, so you can also move some of this into the new tank to speed things up when you add the seeded filter.

To move gravel, just sprinkle a few cupfuls on top of the new gravel, or if it is a different kind of gravel, put some into a new (rinsed out) nylon stocking and lay it on the gravel. The bacteria will spread and in a few weeks you can pour it back into the first tank.

 

[nitro]

Cheers all, once again you have all been very helpful.