Where Exactly Does The Bacteria Live?

[augustaranger]

I am aware that most of the bacteria lives inside the filter, but about how much? How much of it lives on the glass, on the decorations/plastic plants and in the gravel substrate? I'm wondering what the percentages would be.

Also is the bacteria itself slimy? I have a nylon mesh bag containing gravel that it going into a larger tank. It's been in the old tank for a few weeks, and has a slimy feel to it. I plan to put the bag inside a new Aquaclear filter for seeding. Is that commonly done?

 

[timmystood]

I would say 99% of it in filter.
0.1% water-born
0.9% on gravel, decorations etc.

But every tank will be different!

 

[toppman]

99% filter
0.11% water
0.89% substrate/decorations

just guesswork really