cycling question, can I put gravel from the old tank in the back of my HOB Filter?
- Thread starter mellowvision
- Start date
I would probably just say go out and buy nylons. Or you can use a really big fish net and fill it up with gravel and have it hang off the side.
Iiiiiiii really donwannado that. I'm trying to keep it really clean. I'll get a nylon tomorrow if you think putting it in the filter is a bad idea. was thinking I could sandwich it between the two inserts... but I guess that doesn't get at the substrate much.
honestly it doesn't help all that much to add gravel from another tank there just isn't that much bacteria on the substrate. Adding a good chunk of media from one filter to another will help but don't think you will avoid nitrite and ammonia spikes all together. Do this, put some media in the filter from a stable tank then get a small tupperware poke a bunch of holes in it and fill it with fish food. This way the rotting food won't spoil your substrate and with some bacteria in the filter(old media) it will give the bio-filter a jump start. Thats the best you can do. In the meantime keep the lights low cause the ammonia could jump start a green water bloom but your plants will love it.
Good luck and don't make any fish suffer if they don't have to.
Good luck and don't make any fish suffer if they don't have to.
bingo. stainless steel bowl, 3" round, 1" deep. I have 2, so I can keep it covered until it's settled on the bottom. good thinking M
even better idea maybe... I went with 2 of these 2" plastic boxes, with the lids open 45 degrees.
I believe the substrate has more bacteria on it than most filter media. I was going to suggest the plate idea that Mg gace as I was reading this, but see you solved it with the box. You might need to drain and submerge the box occasionally to keep fresh O2 laden water available to the bacteria.
Gravel + HOB impeller = new filter, or at least a new impeller. I would definitely not put grave in any impeller drive filter.
Vic
Vic