Filter Media

[GRJ]

Hi all, i have just been reading articles on this forum about donated filter media. I am very interested in this as i am trying to cycle my tank very carefully 'fish in' and if i could get hold of some filter media it would be much better for the fish. I dont know anyone in my area who has an auarium, so i was wondering wether filter media can be posted or is there a certain time that the bacteria have before dying off, or indeed wether there is a way around that, for example putting some shrimp in with the media before posting in a triple bagged in water kind of parcel. I hope that make sense anddoesnt sound like i am rambling like a crazzeeee fool!!!Thanks GRJ

 

[Tolak]

I've shipped it a couple of times, but I'm sure you will want to find someone closer to you. I add some frozen bloodworms to triple bagged media, as they decompose they create enough ammonia to keep the nitrifying bacteria from dying.

 

[Rooster]

Theres a sticky showing where locals are happy to donate... and NO you cannot post it, apart from the food chain, the bacteria need oxygen which is quickly depleted in a sealed container.

 

[Tolak]

Ship it the same as fish, 1/3 water, 2/3 air. The bacteria will slow down, and perhaps go dormant, but a couple of days in transit will not kill it.