Transferring Beneficial bacteria

[StarOrbs]

I currently have a cycled 55 gallon tank with an Emperor 400 with fiber in the compartments and of course the two bio wheels. Now I also have a 10 gallon tank which isn't cycled yet now I'm wondering could I place one of my bio wheels and lay it down on top of the water in my 10 gal and will it cycle the tank faster. Or any suggestions?

 

[astroboy]

Cut some media out of the emporer filter and throw it in the 10g filter.
And then add fish right away.
No need to go through a cycle again.

 

[newfishies]

run the 10 gal filter on the 55 for a week or so to colonize the bacteria...

 

[Inchworm]

Hi StarOrbs

What astroboy suggested is good, it will seed your filter, but you can even do better than that!

Just take some of the gravel from the big tank and use it for the small one. Just give it a vacuum before you move it, since it's not the debris you want to add, but the bacteria that is actually clinging to the gravel. Try not to expose it to air in the process.

If you replace the gravel you took out of the big tank with new gravel, it will rapidly regenerate and the loss will not interfere with the cycle of your 55.

Then, if you use a couple of gallons of water from the 55, filling the remainder of the 10 with fresh, dechlorinated water, that tank will be ready to put fish in immediately. Just go a little lightly with the stocking at first, because your filter will still be getting established.

 

[StarOrbs]

Alright thanks.

 

[astroboy]

Just take some of the gravel from the big tank and use it for the small one. Just give it a vacuum before you move it, since it's not the debris you want to add, but the bacteria that is actually clinging to the gravel. Try not to expose it to air in the process.

If you replace the gravel you took out of the big tank with new gravel, it will rapidly regenerate and the loss will not interfere with the cycle of your 55.

Why does everyone think that gravel will do a better job than filter media?

The filter is where 95% of the nitrifying bacteria is. The filter is where there is the most water flow therefore better for the bacteria and you tank (more nitrifying). Gravel does have some, but the surface area compared to that of the filter media is tiny. That plus the fact that the water flow isn't as good makes it inferior to replacing with old media

 

[Inchworm]

Hi astroboy

I think you must have misunderstood me. I did not suggest using gravel instead of filter media, but rather with it to increase the amount of bacteria that is introduced.

Also, I do realize that there is very little free floating beneficial bacteria in the water, however I recommend using some because it seems to limit the formation of those annoying little bubbles that appear in a tank set up using totally new water.

 

[astroboy]

Hi astroboy

I think you must have misunderstood me. I did not suggest using gravel instead of filter media, but rather with it to increase the amount of bacteria that is introduced.

Also, I do realize that there is very little free floating beneficial bacteria in the water, however I recommend using some because it seems to limit the formation of those annoying little bubbles that appear in a tank set up using totally new water.

Yes, that makes more sense. I did misunderstand.