Does anybody know

[Squishiebabe]

I just switched from my 10 gal, to a 30 gallon,(Gravel to sand) and I was wondering how long until I could take the stocking bags of my old substrate out of my aquarium.(Been in since Sunday)
Does anyone know how long the bacteria takes to migrate? Btw, I just moved the filter over, with all the same plants and ornaments as well. Just wanted to know, as they look like crap just sitting in there lol.

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

The bacteria primarily lives in the filter sponge and not the gravel so simply transporting the gravel will not do anything. The bacteria also needs a constant source of ammonia to feed off and this primarily comes from fish poop, so if you have nothing creating ammonia in your new tank then the bacteria will be dead by now.

 

[rdd1952]

My understanding is that bacteria multiply exponentially (someone correct me if I'm wrong). Once they start to develop on the filter media, it shouldn't take long. I would leave for a couple weeks though. It definitely won't hurt to leave them too long but will be a problem if you take them out too early.

 

[Squishiebabe]

Well all the fish (minus betta lol) are in the tank right now, and yes the filter media is the same, its the same filter! I just dont want the gravel polluting the tank, and it is a serious eyesore (Think greyblue stockings, many little bags of them)
All the fish seem fine so I think the tank is ok, I'm not sure though.

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

It should be fine then, take the unwanted things out of the tank and test your water quality the day after for ammonia, nitrites and nitrates just to be on the safe side although the bacteria should have migrated by now.

 

[Squishiebabe]

Okay good, I think 4 days is pretty good, and I'm glad I can take pictures now hehe, lol. Thanks, and I'll watch carefully.