I'm being cautious about seeding my tank

[Fish_Mike]

Hi there, i'd like to ask some questions about seeding a new aquarium with an already running filter and used gravel.

Well, (to my understanding) if the beneficial bacteria that grow in filters and gravel grow to fight off ammonia levels, then if there is no new ammonia in the cycling tank (fishless), will any beneficial bacteria actaully grow in the new filter and in the gravel? I'm worried that when i add fish the cycle will just begin. Is this true? I've heard about cycling with fish, but will cycling without fish work just as well? thanks,

Mike

 

[SirMinion]

That's why you add ammonia to the tank when fishless cycling.. to feed and grow the bacteria.

If you put used media in a tank without feeding it, you might as well just use new media.

If the media you're adding is about two thirds the full amount, then your tank is 'cloned' and will not need cycling anyway, you can go right ahead and add hardy fish immediately.

 

[Fish_Mike]

Oh doh! I absolutely forgot about buying the ammonia seperately. Thanks SirMinion

 

[canarsie11]

The bacteria needs the ammonia to survive, so without ammonia bacteria will die off