Opinions on this.....

[taherrmann4]

So I am looking for my fellow ponders opinions on using some of my filter material that has beneficial bacteria on it and putting it in my aquarium to get it to cycle faster. What are your thoughts?

 

[HARO]

Good idea. I've done it tank-to-tank, and it works, so why not pond-to-tank. John

 

[addy1]

Done the same tank to tank, so agree why not

 

[taherrmann4]

Since my tank won't be up and running for a few more days, what do you think about taking some of the filter media from my aquarium filter and sticking it in my pond filter until I am ready for it? Not sure how much bacteria is going to grow with the cooler temps though.

 

[HARO]

It'll grow some, and will speed up when it's brought in to a warm tank. John

 

[taherrmann4]

Thanks John and Addy.

 

[Waterbug]

The bacteria will form first closest to the the water source.

You can also do this faster by putting the media into a 5 gal bucket and a small pump with ammonia and baking soda added to the water. Keeping in the dark (Shears and Wood 1985) and optimum temperature range 86-95F (Henze 1995) also helps. The optimum 7-9 pH (Henze 1995) would should hopefully be handled by the baking soda as well as knocking down the acid produced.