New Tank

[pat3612]

Hi I have a new tank someone gave me its all set up now I took my carbon filter out of my 20 Gal which is cycled now and put the new filter in where the carbon was how long should I leave it in there before I put it back in the new tank.

 

[rabbut]

Hi I have a new tank someone gave me its all set up now I took my carbon filter out of my 20 Gal which is cycled now and put the new filter in where the carbon was how long should I leave it in there before I put it back in the new tank.

Are you adding any ammonia to the tank? If not, you are fine to move back to carbon now, as it is doing nothing with out an ammonia source. I personaly don't use carbon, as it is saturated and useless after about 3 days at most. IMO it is only worth using for removing meds after treatment. If left too long it will start leaching all it had ADDsorbed back into the tank. Do your self a favor and replace it. It will save time and money

If you are adding ammonia, the carbon will have done its job in about 1-2 weeks. Without ammonia it will do nothing towards establshing the new tank

HTH
Rabbut

 

[pat3612]

Sorry think you misunderstood I quess I wasnt very clear I took my carbon got rid of it and I took the new filter sponge for the new tank and but it in my old tank in where the carbon was so it would collect bacteria then when the new tank is set up I can but the sponge back in the new filter and my tank will cycle faster. Iam just not sure how long to leave it in the old tank a week 2 weeks. Thanks Pat, also should I put some of my plants from the old tank into my new tank.

 

[rabbut]

Sorry think you misunderstood I quess I wasnt very clear I took my carbon got rid of it and I took the new filter sponge for the new tank and but it in my old tank in where the carbon was so it would collect bacteria then when the new tank is set up I can but the sponge back in the new filter and my tank will cycle faster. Iam just not sure how long to leave it in the old tank a week 2 weeks. Thanks Pat, also should I put some of my plants from the old tank into my new tank.

Four weeks would be ideal Plants can help with stability, and also speed the cycling process, by absorbing ammonia themselves. IMO it would be worth while adding some plants.

HTH
Rabbut

 

[pat3612]

Thanks 4 weeks it is then Thanks so much.