Cycling New Filter For New 2Nd Tank

[esKii]

Was wondering if adding a second filter to my existing tank for the purpose of getting bacteria established in it will work to speed up the process of cycling my new additional tank.

Currently I have a 150L community tank with an eheim 2213 on one of my tanks that was previously established for several years by a previous owner and about 8 months myself. I have just bought a new 300L aquarium and am awaiting the arrival of a reasonably new second hand eheim 2217. If I was to thoroughly clean it and attach it as a second filter to the 250L tank would this help get it ready to put on the new tank? Or should I cycle the new tank and filter independently?

Also- I am unsure whether the 2217 is coming with biomedia or the eheim foam media. Is it worth purchasing bio media instead of the foam if it doesn't have it? Does eheim know what they're doin and I should trust that their foam version works too?

 

[CezzaXV]

I wouldn't run both filters in your old tank. From what I've heard, the bacteria will split themselves reasonably evenly between the two filters, which will ultimately leave you with two half cycled tanks.

You can quite safely remove (and replace) a third of the media from your established tank to the new filter in the new tank. From there you can start off with a very light stocking (roughly a third of the stocking the original tank is supporting) or use it as a massive jump start to a fishless cycle.