question on cycling tank...

[luvmyfish]

it's a 35 gallon. I plan on using the filter and media off an already cycled tank...I have heard this is a much quicker way to cycle a tank, as basically you are adding the bacteria...but my question is, when doing a fishless cycle this way, is it necessary to add ammonia?
any advice would be appreciated!
Thanks(in advance)

 

[norm3000]

Since bacteria grows on pretty much all surfaces of the tank, the filter is not the only source. I would suggest adding ammonia to make sure that you have enough bacteria in the filter to handle the new bioload. 2 or 3 drops per 10 gallons should be good, then test the next day. If all of the ammonia has been broken down to nitrates, and the ammonia and nitrite levels are 0 then you know you've got enough bacteria and don't need to cycle further.

 

[RTR]

Take the ammonia titer up to about 2 ppm (if you do not add ammonia and test after adding, you would not know how much your fiter can handle). Then test after 24 hours. If ammonia and nitrite are both zero, you should be good for normal stocking. This would be considered an "ammonia challenge" rather than cycling - confirming that a mature filter is adequate for the tank.

 

[luvmyfish]

I get it...thanks guys...I will do that! :thm: