New sponge in Cycled Tank

[CraigB7708]

Couldn't find my exact question in the forums. Starting a new small tank and bought new sponge for it. If i just place this new sponge in my established tank how long would it take to seed? few days? weeks? Do I need to have it running and connected to airline or just sit in in the tank. My existing sponge is way too big for this smaller tank 5 gal I am setting up.

 

[mcordelia]

I think it will work better with the airline connected. In general, I see people saying ~1 month for the BB to establish on a new surface.

 

[CraigB7708]

thanks much, much longer than I thought so glad i asked

 

[mcordelia]

depending on what your plans are for the new tank, you can also do a planted/silent cycle. It might cut your wait down by a week or two since you can add fish as soon as the plants are showing good signs of growth

 

[CraigB7708]

Yes I know about that I already have some plants in the tank but not the fast growing kind, Anubias, Crypto. I am not in any particular hurry just curious how long it took to be seeded.

 

[mcordelia]

sounds great! Will be excited to see pictures of the new tank!

 

[CraigB7708]

About the only thing I have learned since joining the hobby is not to be in a rush with a new tank lol

 

[Metalhead88]

I agree. Although it's tough to tell if enough bacteria has formed on new media - I'd say 4 weeks I'd expect that to be enough.