Cycling Query?

[bronzecat]

Hi all

I have had an aqua one filter maturing next to my fluval in my 70L tank.

I have now built the unit for "Netty's" Aquaone 30L tank, which she is happy about . My question is, the water had been made safe for the aquaone, but how long should the tank be left with the filter put in as a mature filter?? Its been in 24hrs ish and first test readings are, Amm = 0, NitrIte = 0, NitrAte = 5. I'm wondering whether to expect any rises and what people would recommend putting in i.e. plants, food, zyme etc...??

Hope this makes sense??

Cheers

 

[rdd1952]

I'm not sure I fully understand what you are doing. I guess you have (or had) the Aqua 1 running on the 70l along with the regular filter. How long did you run both filters together and have you moved it to the new tank yet? If so, are there fish in the new tank (I'm assuming Netty is a fish and in the tank)? The key is how long you ran it along side the other filter. It generally takes 2 to 4 weeks to get a good build up of bacteria and the stronger filter will hold the most bacteria.

 

[bronzecat]

(I'm assuming Netty is a fish and in the tank)?

LOL Netty is my wife, its her forum name.

It was running with a used filter sponge in the big tank for about 1 1/2 - 2 weeks.

I think, thinking about it, if i dont put something in the new tank with it i'll lose the good bacteria? I think??? The new water was made safe but at present the only things in it our the filter, and used substrate, oh and the heater.

Should i be putting say a plant or a small amount of food?? There's a nitrAte but i presume thats from the filter.

I know, i'm not making too much sense, am i??

Cheers

 

[rdd1952]

(I'm assuming Netty is a fish and in the tank)?

LOL Netty is my wife, its her forum name.

Oops.

You are right that the bacteria present in the filter will begin to die off without a food source. Adding some flakes or some pure ammonia will keep them fed. Nitrate would only come from processed ammonia and not the filter itself unless it's in the tap water (not uncommon). Regular water changes will keep it low.

 

[bronzecat]

Thanks for that. I'll get some flake in and a couple of plants.

Dont worry about Netty, she's been called much worse

Cheers

 

[Netty]

He'll be trying to put me in a tank next Anyway there are worse things I could be than a fish