thats the thing, there isnt another LFS for 8 hours lol...
i am seeding sponges from my DT now, and will be setting up my hospital tank tomorrow or monday, depending on when the cupramine comes in
You are just now seeding a sponge. Not a good approach.
You should have seeded your sponge about 5 weeks ago and cycled the sponge.
Whether it works now depends on the bioload in QT and also how you seed the sponge in DT.
Now, you have a better chance of having enough bacteria to rid the QT of ammonia by using the sponge as the medium inside a power filter running in the DT for as long as you have time for. Don't just put the sponge in any part of the sump in the DT. If you can just drip return water in the DT over the sponge, it would be similar as using a filter.
In general, why would you seed a medium with bacteria? It is just the first step in a cycle. If you can just seed a medium and then use it as a medium to process ammonia in the presence of livestock, why would the process of cycling ever become recognised as necessary in a DT? Just think about it.
In terms of nitrification (not denitrification and other microbial balance), the QT is similar to the DT. Ammonia is toxic in QT and in DT. Nothing magical is going happen to rid the QT of ammonia.
You medium in QT should have been cycled, and very well.
More than one sponge may be needed depending on the bioload.
