"Seeding" Filter Media -- How Long Does It Take?

[Deleted User]

I am running some extra filters with extra CellPore / ReeFresH2O bio media "cartridges" in them that I will be using for fast cycling new tanks. Some of the filters I'm running extra bio media cartridges in have bio-wheels if that matters.

How long do you think it takes for the beneficial bacteria to sufficiently establish itself (for the purpose of jump starting a new tank) on these, or any kind of bio media, cartridges?

Thanks!

PS for those not familiar, this is what I'm talking about:

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

[MChambers]

Conventional wisdom is two weeks. I think that's pretty safe.

What kind of filter are you using with the CellPore / ReeFresH2O bio media cartridges? I've been wondering if the cartridges fit Emperor 400s.

[Deleted User]

Thanks for the advice!!!

I'm using them in Whisper HOB's, Whisper Internals, and Penquin 200's. We have four Penquin 350's sitting here in boxes to go into the new tanks, and running double filters in some others. I want two filters in each tank and the 55g kits have filters w/ them (not unpacked so not sure "what" I can fit in them, but each will also get a Penquin 350). The 75g just came with light and hood, so will get the other two Penquin 350's.

The Whisper CellPores / ReeFresH2O aren't made to fit the Pequins, they are not wide enough, but with a rolled up floss bag, fit in good for seeding. The water flow is good. They seem to fit good in the Aqueon filters we have, too.

I got ones to fit the Penquins, that I think will also fit the Emperors (but not totally sure), at Big Als for $10.

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]


The Whisper ones, I got at Foster & Smith for $5.

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]

[wlepse]

Glad you posted this question...my tank has been cycling for weeks and is getting close but I also noticed recently the main filter was getting pretty close to needing a replacement. So I picked up one of those filters from F&S too for my Penguin filter. I knew it was going to be too small but found some plastic T in Home Depot to make up the gap. It might not be a leakproof solution but I doubt regular filters stop all leakage around the outside. If you want to try it I think the plastic was about a buck and was designed to be used for ceiling tiles. I Just put the CellPore on a replacement Penguin filter and cut eh plastic accordingly. Seemed like a tight fit.

Mine has been in for a few weeks now so I guess it is safe to assume it will be at the same level as my original element right? So when the cycle is complete both should have the right mix of bacteria?

[MonkeyPox]

2-4 weeks is the normal timeframe. After two it is usable, after 4 fully established. Generally speaking, of course.

[Northernguy]

I agree with 4 weeks minimum.
If you are adding cycled media directly to the filter it will be ready that day.
If you place a new filter on a cycled tank I would let it run for a month before using it to cycle another tank.

[Crispy]

Agreed. 4 weeks to be safe.

[Lady Hobbs]

No sooner than any others, I would suspect. Can't see how that can be any better than a sponge or filter floss.

[Deleted User]

Thanks for the input, everyone.

I didn't know how long it would take using this or any other kind of bio media.


No sooner than any others, I would suspect. Can't see how that can be any better than a sponge or filter floss.
LH, I think that these CellPore / ReeFresH20 plates / cartridges are better than sponge or floss material because they have so much more surface area for the bacteria to become established on.

[smaug]

I am running some extra filters with extra CellPore / ReeFresH2O bio media "cartridges" in them that I will be using for fast cycling new tanks. Some of the filters I'm running extra bio media cartridges in have bio-wheels if that matters.

How long do you think it takes for the beneficial bacteria to sufficiently establish itself (for the purpose of jump starting a new tank) on these, or any kind of bio media, cartridges?

Thanks!

PS for those not familiar, this is what I'm talking about:

[Only Registered Users Can See Links.]
I have cycled tanks in one week using seeded media.It really depends on "how" seeded it is.I generally try to have more then 50% used media to instant cycle.

[Deleted User]

Thanks! I'm hoping / planning to have the ReeFresH20 / CellPore cartridges "very" well seeded before we start the first new tank. But, we just put them in last week. I do have other floss / carbon filters that have been running longer in some other tanks... Will play it by ear, I guess.