Quick Question About Filter Maturing

[Scrotius]

Hi all, I've just bought a 2nd hand 160L tank and it's come with a Fluval 4+ with new media.
I've put the filter in one of my existing tanks to mature the media so that when I start to fill my 160L it will cycle faster.
Does anyone have any idea how long it will take to mature the media in a 250L planted tank that has matured and reached an equilibrium?
Ammonia, Nitrate and Nitrite are at a minimum.
Thanks

 

[flyhawk]

i have heard to weeks is a good time frame
but not sure totally

 

[Scrotius]

i moved this topic here
http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/319179-quick-filter-question/page__fromsearch__1

the general consensus was that the state of the water and the tank had no effect on the rate of maturing, the only way to speed it up was to put already mature media in with the immature media

 

[Bobtastic]

I've heard of maturing filters in this way, but I understand that it takes longer the using donated media.

You'll get a transfer of bacteria from the old filter/substrate/deco to the new one because you're adding it to a closed environment.

If you're in no rush with setting up the new tank then go with that method. If not then transfer some media over. Spounge is usually the easiest to transfer as it can be cut into pretty much any required size. You shouldn't see much reduction in bio filtration, but it would be a good idea to monitor your ammonia and nitrite level in the doner tank just to make sure.