Filter Media Question

[kieran117]

hello im Kieran new to the hobby, i keep a few koi goldfish etc in my garden pond and ive decided i want to keep some tropical fish havent really decided on what type yet but i really like angels. Im buying a tank from one of my mates on the cheap as he doesnt use it anymore and im going to start fishless cycling as soon as i get the tank. Now my question is can i use some filter media from my goldfish tanks filter its a biorb one and i was wondering how much i would need to take out or, if i could take any because its a coldwater tank? if i cant use any filter media from the biorb then how long does fishless cycling normally take?

Kieran

 

[tenohfive]

You're mixing up two different methods of cycling - using existing filter media and fishless cycling.

If you use filter media it pretty well instantly cycles the tank - though how many fish you can add immediately afterwards though depends on the amount of filter media. What size biorb is it? You can use coldwater media, the bacteria within it all does the same thing - break down ammonia and nitrites. I prefer to use existing media when I'm setting up a new tank.

Fishless cycling can take 2 or more weeks, it really does depend.

 

[kieran117]

Thanks for the reply the biorb is only 30ltrs has 2 goldfish in it i dont think ill get very much stuff out of it so what do u suggest add maybe one or two fish once ive put the filter media in? and see how it goes or do i need to add more than that to keep the levels of bacteria up? also could some sponge from the filter in my pond be used but the filter hasnt been turned on since september as i take the pump out as soon as it gets cold so would all the bacteria in the pond filter be dead? sorry if ive not made any sense

 

[OldMan47]

If you clone your cold water filter, you can treat it as a fishless cycle and test while using ammonia to feed the bacteria. If the clone is successful, you will be ready for new fish in less than a week. Either way, the new filter will be ready much faster than if you don't use some of your existing media.

 

[kieran117]

ok sorted once i get the tank ill setup the filter with some of the media from my biorb do a fishless cycle for aprox a week untill the bacteria builds up then start adding fish.
is there anything else im missing? out bearing in mind that ive read all of the guides so i think im just about ready to start off now thanks for your help.

 

[OldMan47]

The week is a guess. Your testing will tell you how soon the tank is safe for fish. Don't forget to feed the filter with ammonia while you are waiting or you will be starting the cycle all over.

 

[kieran117]

ok i think ive got it sorted thanks for the help guys.