Filter Media Question

[mwood2]

trying to get some bacteria from my other 5 gallon tank to my other. Both use the same filter/bio wheel. I currently have a filter sponge ontop of my older tank to collect said bacteria, my question is how long should I keep it there before moving it over?

 

[drobbyb]

trying to get some bacteria from my other 5 gallon tank to my other. Both use the same filter/bio wheel. I currently have a filter sponge ontop of my older tank to collect said bacteria, my question is how long should I keep it there before moving it over?

At least a week but preferably two. If they have the same size Bio-Wheel just swap the old one with the new one. That will give you a great headstart on your cycle.

 

[mwood2]

will taking out he bio wheel effect my populated tanks ability to cycle ammonia ot will it not do much since the filter is still intact?

 

[tenohfive]

I'm not familiar with the bio-wheel range, but if you're asking if removing your (mature) media will cause a mini-cycle - yes.

Personally I'd just run the second filter in the second tank for 2 weeks to a month (I'd go with a month to be on the safe side) then move one filter across to the new tank.