starting a new tank with another tanks filter?

[grannylvsfish]

I want to get another tank up and runing in the next month, here is my question.... Can I use the sponge on my wisper back filter on my establised tank, to get the new tank cycled faster? my tank filter has a sponge and filter in it, I was wondering if I could use that sponge ( and replace the sponge in my other tank. possible?

 

[YoFishboy]

That is always the way I start new tanks....works great. Sometimes I use a handfull of gravel too. The original "seed" bacteria goes back to a tank I started 20 years ago! You just want to make sure that the established tank doesn't have any diseases or related issues going on.

 

[hendrixpujols11]

That's what you should do. It saves you a lot of time, work and frustration.

 

[rosita]

I'll add my success: great cycling within days depending on amount of seed material. 29g, 44g, and 55g.

 

[grannylvsfish]

Awsome!! So I do not even need to add fish right away? I want to acually take my time with this tank, do an awsome subtrate and pick my fish out to match what I have always wanted.

 

[jm1212]

if you do not put the fish in right away, you need to find a source of ammoina for the bacteria, such as some fish food.

 

[icecubez189]

how big is the tank and any idea what you want to stock it with?

 

[grannylvsfish]

how big is the tank and any idea what you want to stock it with?

I am going to be purchasig a 55 gallon tank, with stand ( the whole package)I wanted to do a frontosa, have always wanted on, but I just read they have to be in a tank over 100 gallons so I will look further. I still have to research what does nicely in a 55 and are colorful I am so partial to cichlids. could be I will have more of those.
I also do not want to do the standard ligting, I want to go with a strip light and glass top I had many years ago.
2 large back filters, and a better subtrate .
you have all inspired me to do a better job and something nicer