Mature Filter

[bllackpython]

Hi There!
 
I wonder if anyone can help. I have recently convinced my step mum to give fish another go (Previously she failed and they all died, etc).
 
I currently have 2 fish tanks, both cycled and neither one has has a problem in quite some time. I would like to help her out by giving her some media from my tank but I'm not really sure what this means(sorry for being dull!).
 
Would I just take one of the filter sponges and add it to her filter? If so how do I transport it, does it matter it being out of water?
Again sorry if it is a stupid question but I don't want to do something silly!
 
Thanks in advance!

 

[Blondielovesfish]

It depends on how far away from you she is. It could probably last 5-10 minutes out of water but it would be better to put it in some tank water and immediately transport it to her tank.
A filter sponge would be great to add.
Make sure she does a fishless cycle. Adding the filter media will speed it up lots (depending on size of tank).

 

[Tim_UK]

yes just take some of your media - keep some for your fishes though so you might have to cut the sponge if there is just one. Transport it in a bucket or something so that it is covered with tank water - dont use water from tap.
 
make sure the new tank has had its water dechlorinated - a few drops of tap water conditioner - before you use your filter media there.

 

[bllackpython]

Awesome!
 
Thank you both
It's about 30 mins away so I will transport in some on the tanks water, maybe in a container or I might even have one of those bags from buying fish.
She's only got a small tank (75l I think) and I have 2 sponges in my filter so I will give her one.
 
Also I've printed out the instruction for fishless cycling so I will make sure she doesn't make the same mistakes as last time
Thanks again, you were really helpful

 

[TwoTankAmin]

Please note that when seeding with bacteria, as you are doing, that the cycling instructions recommend reducing the time between testing. that is because the seeding should accelerate the process.