Any filter needed while cycling?

[t5Nitro]

My tank is at:
pH: 8.0
ammonia: .50 (hasn't changed)
nitrite: 2.0
nitrate: around 10

Anyone know how long nitrites will go up before they start going down?

Should I run a filter while cycling? I have 3 bags of carbon in the sump but that's it.

 

[Young Frankenstein]

yes I would have some kind of filtering. ex filter pads

 

[t5Nitro]

I have the foam filters for the overflows, put those in then?

 

[ebauman75]

If you're going to have filters running after the tank is cycled, it can help with cycling. If you're going to take them out after the cycle is over you'll have a small spike again after removing filters.

 

[t5Nitro]

Well, the overflows came with a big box of them. I would probably use them until they ran out.

 

[ebauman75]

Also, forgot, if you run them during cycle and keep them in for a while. Take them out slowly so the bacteria on the filter pads has time to rebuild slowly, instead of removing them all at once!

 

[t5Nitro]

So you don't need to run them? Running the carbon is good enough?

 

[ebauman75]

depending on who you ask, yes.

 

[clevername]

I would leave them out

1: Your going to have trapped detritus which can cause a buildup of nitrates

2: You'll have bacteria on the filter (not necessarily bad but your tank is relying on the sponge) when in reality the bacteria should ALWAYS be in LR or sand bed.

3: your going to have to clean/takeout the sponge frequently (this will cause problems due to number 2