skip cycling.. how long?,,,

[terror]

i'm planning to put a sponge filter into an existing cycled tank..
how long before beneficial bacteria colonize the sponge filter?
i'm planning to use the sponge filter in a breeding tank.
will also be using the water from cycled tank for my breeding tank as well.
how long before good bacteria colonize it?

 

[OrionGirl]

I'd give it 2 weeks, and understand the the bacteria colonies that develop will support a smaller population than the source tank. Also, unless the water source varies dramatically from the tank water, there's no reason to use the old water--you'll just import nitrates and other toxins into the new tank.

 

[terror]

thanks..
the inhabitants of the breeding tank will also come from the cycled tank