Using Old Filter Media In New Tank

[dave_m13]

Hi All

I am looking at getting another tank but do not want to go through the same amount of time having to cycle the new tank.

I have numerous filters and media in my other tanks, my question is how do I add this to the new filter/tank. do I just remove some old media and then add to new?

Thanks
Dave

 

[alessasavoca]

Yep, or you can run your new filter alongside another existing one in a cycled tank? We did that with our second tank, and used a bit of the old water topped up with fresh, as well as using 2 halves of old sponges from our juwel tank. Hope this helps!

 

[Sysiphus]

Keep in mind that the bacteria you desire is on everything in those seasoned tanks - filter media, gravel, plants etc - so transfer as much from old existing tanks as you are comfortable with to your new tank. As I understand it, old water may not transfer much bacteria, but it will provide something else - food to keep it going... Gravel is especially good for transfer of beneficial bacteria. It is easy to let things like gravel sit in a bucket while you prepare for transfer, so you may want to also note that more than about 60 minutes without circulation (and especially without water on it) and the bacteria begins to die off.

GOOD LUCK with the new tank!

 

[dave_m13]

Thanks for the information. Its going to be a new tank completely, a new addition rather than transferring.

If I have a small internal filter running at the moment and has been so for 6 months +, could I get away with replacing the media completely and replacing it with new media, then use the old media on the new tank? Or would this cause the old tank to go into a new cycle?