starting a 2nd tank--it is addicting!!

[g. mcclean]

I presently have a 46 gallon sw fowlr aquarium. We have been in operation for approx. 4 months and are hooked. We would like to start a larger unit--probably a 75 gallon. We are running aFluval filter system that has the bio-mass media in it. This is the area that the beneficial bacteria grow (so I am told). My question. In the process of cycling the new unit would it be helpful to the process to run the Fluval since it has beneficial bacteria alread growing?

[OrionGirl]

Yep, but even better would be a scoop or two of sand (one to start, then another to reseed after the ammonia spike before the nitrites get really high, and maybe 2-3 small rubble bits.

[kreblak]

Agreed, your sand is where the lion's share of the bacteria are. Adding a scoop will do wonders in reducing your cycleing time. My first damsel cycle took 9 weeks to complete, and I lost 66% of them. I later did a fishless cycle with a scoop of crushed coral from an established tank. Three weeks and 2 days later I was zero ammonia, zero nitrites, and good to go!