I added a second small filter to my established 10g tank that I am trying to get some bacteria built up in so that I can avoid a cycle if I set up one of my 2.5g tanks for a betta. Wondering if I actually have to let the filter run, or if it can just be submerged in the tank for a couple of weeks?
established media to cycle small tank?...
- Thread starter Holly9937
- Start date
Good question Holly.
What type of filter are you using?
Is it going to be of suitable size for the 2.5 gallon or too big?
Also, I don't think that you can "avoid" a cycle per say, but you can REDUCE the cycling time, which I see you are trying to do.
I feel that it would be a safer bet to run the filter rather than just letting it sit there in the water.
Hopefully others will chime in to help you.
What type of filter are you using?
Is it going to be of suitable size for the 2.5 gallon or too big?
Also, I don't think that you can "avoid" a cycle per say, but you can REDUCE the cycling time, which I see you are trying to do.
I feel that it would be a safer bet to run the filter rather than just letting it sit there in the water.
Hopefully others will chime in to help you.
Must run it!
The bacteria require oxygen as well as something to eat. Without flow they consume what is near them, then starve for lack of fuel. The flow of the filter running always brings fresh fuel.
If running it is difficult or unsightly, try to get "filter squeezin's" from the old filter and pour this into the new filter and let it run. This will speed up the movement of bacteria.
Unfortunately, no one really knows how long is required to get the new filter adequately seeded. With squeezings, it may be just a day or 2 or 3. Without, just running it, I'd guess you need to let it run a week or 2.
The bacteria require oxygen as well as something to eat. Without flow they consume what is near them, then starve for lack of fuel. The flow of the filter running always brings fresh fuel.
If running it is difficult or unsightly, try to get "filter squeezin's" from the old filter and pour this into the new filter and let it run. This will speed up the movement of bacteria.
Unfortunately, no one really knows how long is required to get the new filter adequately seeded. With squeezings, it may be just a day or 2 or 3. Without, just running it, I'd guess you need to let it run a week or 2.
The filter I'm referring to is a small whisper filter. It came with a 2.5g tank kit I bought a while back, so its the right size. I figured it should be running 
, but I thought I would double check. If I do let it run for a few weeks, then put it in the new tank, I wouldn't want to add any amonia or anything then would I? I would think I would just add the betta and do large water changes for a week or so, since the cycle should be fairly small. Sound right? When I did this on my 60g tank setting it up, I avoided a cycle, or at least if I did go through one it was hardly noticable, I don't remember getting any readings and I tested like a mad person!!
, but I thought I would double check. If I do let it run for a few weeks, then put it in the new tank, I wouldn't want to add any amonia or anything then would I? I would think I would just add the betta and do large water changes for a week or so, since the cycle should be fairly small. Sound right? When I did this on my 60g tank setting it up, I avoided a cycle, or at least if I did go through one it was hardly noticable, I don't remember getting any readings and I tested like a mad person!!you're good to go with that plan
Yes, run a few weeks, fill new tank with dechlorinated water, heat appropriately, then move the filter over to the new tank, add fish. Test to be sure ammonia etc is Ok after a few days.
Yes, run a few weeks, fill new tank with dechlorinated water, heat appropriately, then move the filter over to the new tank, add fish. Test to be sure ammonia etc is Ok after a few days.