Cycling, adding the used media to jump start...

[Brian Anderson]

can i start my cycle right now with doing everything, then add the filter media from my uncles tank in a few days? or should i just start when i get the media? i have everything else.

[Mgamer20o0]

its up to you... you can start it now and when you get the media it will just start the cycle. i would just wait. a couple days cycling there wont be much good bacteria.

[Star_Rider]

if you add media from an established tank(ie filter media) you will need to introduce a food source to the tank.
this can be either pure ammonia in low doses or live fish.

[jere1558]

hum....i started the cycle on my 55g with filter media and gravel from an established tank. ran fishless for 2 weeks. got a=0, nI=0, nA=5 without adding anything else. then added 2 inexpensive fish to complete the cycle too 3 weeks total. no water probs since then. (except tonite, see UH OH ....post).

[Brian Anderson]

thanks everyone. i know most the stuff about the cycle, and im ready to start it. i was just wondering if i should start it before i get my hands on some filters from an established tank. guess ill wait?

[Mgamer20o0]

hey i answered you. the way i see it is a reg cycle takes about a month give or take. when you have something to kick start the cycle it can cut it in half. so i dont think the bacteria that will grow in the couple days is worth the work.