Mature Filter Media Transfer Suggestions

[bigfishlittlefish]

Hi,
My rio 240 has been running fine now for 2 weeks using my small cycled filter(suitable for 60l tank) aswell as a new eheim 2012 that was given off previous owner(I never increased the bioload).I have a few questions

How long does it take for new filter to starts its own colony or fully share the bacteria?

Whats the best way to utilise the small filters mature media when I swap it for a 2nd eheim 2012?
(I don't want to cut it up if I can help it as I plan on giving the old tank with filter to my father in law once my tank is fully set up)

This is my plan please correct me if theres a better way.
Sqeeeze mature sponge into a bucket containing small amount of used tank water then put in new filters sponge to soak up the water.
Once new filter is set up attach mature sponge to the outside of new filter with fishing line or elastic band ensuring the inflow is covered.
Leave for 2 weeks before removing.

Any suggestions/answers would be greatfully recieved

Gez

p.s it would be great if there was info/sticky in new tank section on wasy of seeding tanks e.g using mature filter media, gravel from cycled tank etc and ways they can be introduced and pros and cons of that method.

 

[fishnovice]

When I'm strting off a new larger from a smaller one I try to squeeeze in an old filter sponge among th enew media nad leave it for a few weeks. If it's not possible to add old sponge because of space restrictions, replace part of the sponges in new filter with old filter sponge for a few weeks until the new filter sponge is seeded with sufficient bcteria. Then replace the old filter sponge in big new filter with new sponge, leaving old sponge ready to be used agin in its original smaller filter.

 

[bigfishlittlefish]

Thanks for the great advice

So just so Im clear I cut my new filter sponge in half and put it in new filter with the full old media leave it for a 3/4 weeks then replace old media with other half of new media.

Or cut up old media and put it in the gap which runs along side my new filter and father inlaw can by a new filter and use the cut up old media to seed his tank when Im done with it.

Sorry bit long winded
Really appreciate the help
(prob should have put this in new tank section)