Will This Work

[blackops]

got a new tank yesterday and wanted to know if I could put some of the filter pad form my old tank in to the new one to speed up the cycle

thanks jack

 

[Joshwainwright]

It will certainly help, yes!
 
It's always advised to add some mature media when cycling a new tank to give it a head start. All the bacteria has to do is grow, rather than actually find your filter and then begin to multiply.
 
I presume you have some pure ammonia?

 

[bikerfish]

Hi you could some of your old filter sponge in, but I would still keep testing water just in case . I changed over in the new year and had both filters working for about a month then put some of the old filter sponge in just to help the new filter and had no problems .
Hope this helps
cathy

 

[This Old Spouse]

How big is your old tank, and how big is the new tank? You should be able to take up to 1/3 of the media from the mature filter to use. Depending on the size of the new tank, you might be cycled immediately. 

 

[blackops]

the old tank is 180l and the new tank is 25l

 

[This Old Spouse]

Perfect. The new tank would be cycled almost immediately if you take a chunk of filter media from the old tank. 

 

[blackops]

cool how long should I until it would be ok to add the shrimp

 

[This Old Spouse]

Some may disagree with me, but I'd wait just an hour or so to make sure the water cycles through the filter a few times. This is how I've started up all my new tanks, with filter media from the original. 

 

[blackops]

ok cool thanks for the help

 

[Shelster]

+1 on what old spouse has said - I have also done this twice.

First time worked a treat, monitored water for a few days but no issues.
Second time, slight hiccup with thermometer not working [stopped working] which led to an ammonia spike.

I'm sure they will be good

 

[colleen0309]

Some may disagree with me, but I'd wait just an hour or so to make sure the water cycles through the filter a few times. This is how I've started up all my new tanks, with filter media from the original. 

This is the only way I have ever cycled a tank. My uncle taught me almost 40 years ago. It has always worked for me.