View Full Version : Colonizing bacteria...
Hi there,
I was just curious if anyone could help shed some light on this...how long would it take bacteria to colonize on something submerged in an established tank (for the purpose of seeding another tank). Also would the time frame matter if it was something like Bio-max (aqua clear) or some pvc pipe pieces?
Would there be anyway to tell? Like maybe it feels slimy?
Any thoughts would be appreciated, thank you...
MySpace Mike
09-26-2007, 2:13 AM
Most of a tanks biological bacteria actually are in the filters. Thats why a lot of the power filters come with the sponge, thats for the bacteria to set up shop in.
So instead i would recommend transfering a filter thats from a cycled tank to a new tank, and use it to cycle the new tank.
ct-death
09-26-2007, 9:33 AM
I agree, Mike offers a far better solution. Simply replace the odl filter floss or sponge and place it into your new filter/tank. It's okay if it doesn't fit perfectly so long as it fits or can be made to.
As for your question - a bare minimum would be 2 weeks if placed in a very well established tank. Bacterias will readily grow on any surface, however, the issue is the surface area itself. A sponge cut into a 1" cube would offer a far greater amount of bacteria than would a bridge decoration for example, or a fake plant in most cases.
Getting back to the duration, 4+ weeks would be ideal.
Also, be careful not to simply throw this into a new tank as it wil require a food source (ie. ammonia), and of course, if you will be putting fish in the tank around the same time, you will still require a testing kit, etc.
Keep us posted! ;)
Wow, a thank you to both of your replies. I appreciate the info/advice on this.
It's just like another way of thinking, and the more time we spend with it, the more it all comes together!
Once again, thank you both...
Ajordan
09-26-2007, 10:24 AM
if for some reason you feel you can't move a filter or the media, a handful of your aquarium gravel would work as well. It has a pretty good amount of surface area compared to other items in the tank.
Actually, that is why I bought a few of the Aqua Clear 50 HOBs, to be able to do just that. I was just dabbling with some alternative ideas.
I might even consider using an extra HOB with a pond foam filter cut into 1" pieces as the filter media...
Thank you all for sharing!