Mature Filter Media?

[TropicalLad21]

Can i just ask what this is?

As im about to set up my tank in the next day or so and start the fishless cyclin i was just curious to what mature filter media actually is... AND yes im new to all this.

Thanks for any replies.

 

[fluttermoth]

It's anything in a filter (sponges, ceramic noodles etc) that has a colony of nitrifying bacteria already living in it

A very few fish shops sell it, some will give you some if you ask nicely, or you can get some from a friend who already has a tank up and running.

 

[TropicalLad21]

Ah i see... im guessin it speeds up the cycling process?

Thanks.

 

[fluttermoth]

It does, yes, as you have a colony that just needs to gorw, rather than having to wait for one to grow from scratch.

In fact, if you can get hold a good sized bit, you don't have to cycle at all; you can stock immediately with an equal (but erring on the conservative side) amount of fish to what the media was supporting in the previous tank. So, if you had a quarter of the media from a tank with 20 guppies in, you could add 3 or 4 guppies straight away.

But, you must be quite familiar with the nitrogen cycle, testing and good water change practice in case the bacteria are disturbed and die back a little causing a 'mini-cycle', so I wouldn't recommend that method to a complete newcomer.

Using mature media to 'kick-start' a fishless cycle that you finish as normal is best for noobs