Speed Up Cycle

[Naringlo]

Hello!

So I've recently bought a nice 12L with stupidly good filtration. AquaNano 25.

Anyway, I used some of my carbon sponge from my 120L to speed up the cycle. (Which is what I think it does?)
There is no actual carbon in the sponge so it's just sponge. The 120L has been cycled since December. Stocking is in my signature.

So the question is, when am I able to take out the added media?
And is this actually how you speed up the fishless cycle?

The tank started its cycle last week. I added the media about 3 days ago.
I added 2 5x5x1cm pieces. This is about 1/4 of media of my filter on the 12L and I just placed it on top so it's touching because I was just hoping the bacteria would multiply onto it.

Stats:
Temp: 24C
Ammonia: 4.0ppm
Nitrite: 5.0ppm
Nitrate: 40ppm

Thank you.

 

[NeonNeptune]

I would take the media out after the week, the bacteria are already in the water but more will get in the filter and gravel if it stays longer.

 

[sadguppy]

I would take the media out after the week, the bacteria are already in the water but more will get in the filter and gravel if it stays longer.

This is incorrect. The bacteria don't tend to live in the water, they need the surface area of the filter media.

I would leave the media in indefinitely, or for as long as you can and at least six weeks as then you can be sure any new media has cycled.

 

[fluttermoth]

I would take the media out after the week, the bacteria are already in the water but more will get in the filter and gravel if it stays longer.

This is incorrect. The bacteria don't tend to live in the water, they need the surface area of the filter media.

I would leave the media in indefinitely, or for as long as you can and at least six weeks as then you can be sure any new media has cycled.

I agree with sadguppy.

I've just 'instantly' cycled my AquaNano 40 with ceramic rings from filters in my other tanks. I'm checking the ammonia very carefully to make sure the bacteria have survived the move, but everything's fine at the moment, and I don't forsee any problems. I've put the rings that came with the Nano into the big filters to replace what I took out. I might eventually swap them over, but not for a good six to eight weeks.

 

[Tizer]

as mentioned, no reason to remove the mature media, why would you? Just chuck a new sponge in your old filter to replace what you took and in a few months time, you will have more mature media to do another tank ;D

 

[Naringlo]

Thank you all for the advice. Much appreciated!