Time For Sponge Filter And Bacteria Culture

[Don Trinko]

I have added sponge filters to existing cycled tanks. I did this because after many cleanings I would like to replace the filter elements in the power filter without having to go thru a nitigen cycle.
How long does the sponge have to be in the tank before it will develope a suficient bacteria culture?
Thanks; Don T.

 

[ox5477]

You don't have to add another filter to the tank to change out media. Just when you change out the current media, only remove 1/3 to 1/2 of it at a time. This will leave sufficient bacteria to deal with the tank waste while seeding the new media. Once the media has been established for a month or so, then you can do the same to the other old media and there you go, media changed

 

[Don Trinko]

My power filters are of various types but not canister. They all have a pull out insert that has the carbon and filter in one piece. (penguin 150 , 100, and various wallmart filters) Don T.