Gravel Bacteria

[TimmyB42386]

We all agree that bacteria do not colonize the water comlumn. But I still hear people say to take a handful of gravel from an established tank. Does the gravel hold that much bacteria without the use of a UGF? I would think if there was a part of the tank with the least amount of dissolved oxygen that the bacteria like it would be in the gravel. I've been wondering this for a while now, does the gravel really hold a lot of bacteria, or is it just a leftover myth from the time when UGF ruled the world... ?

 

[Blueiz]

Gravel, as well as every other surface in your tank holds bacteria. It wont be as much as what is in your filter, or what would be in the gravel if you had a UGF, however it is enough to jumpstart your cycle. You wont have to wait for the bacteria to "find" your tank, just for it to multiply into a colony great enough to handle the bio load..

Blue