Sponge to QT time setup?

[Brando457]

I have a sponge I've had sitting in my tank for awhile now and plan on setting up a 55g tank as a QT.

How long do I need to cycle the QT for after I transfer the sponge to it/before I add fish.

Thanks!

 

[ca1ore]

How long is 'a while'? I like to give a sponge/bio media a month to seed and then no cycling of the QT is required, though it is always a good idea to regularly monitor ammonia levels just in case. Also, consider how many fish you will put into the QT. One sponge isn't likely to be able to handle that many.

 

[HumbleFish]

Don't know what kinda sponge you're using, but I "seed" the sponge insert from an Aquaclear HOB powerfilter down in my sump for at least one month. After that, I consider it good to go for ammonia control in QT.

 

[Brando457]

How long is 'a while'? I like to give a sponge/bio media a month to seed and then no cycling of the QT is required, though it is always a good idea to regularly monitor ammonia levels just in case. Also, consider how many fish you will put into the QT. One sponge isn't likely to be able to handle that many.

Approximately 3/4 months at least, it has been in there.

 

[MrTuskfish]

I have a sponge I've had sitting in my tank for awhile now and plan on setting up a 55g tank as a QT.

How long do I need to cycle the QT for after I transfer the sponge to it/before I add fish.

Thanks!

The time it takes a sponge in the DT to become a functional bio-filter depends on bio-load and flow in the DT. At least 4 weeks, IMO.

But more to your question, assuming the sponge has enough bacteria from the DT, your QT is cycled the second you put the sponge in. Water does not cycle, the bacteria that destroy ammonia, etc., live in the filter media, rock, substrate, etc. This is pretty basic, I'd read up on the nitrogen cycle. Knowing how this works is vital.

 

[Brando457]

I got the 55g setup, moved over the sponges, and have an ammonia alert badge in, so far so good.

Hoping to pickup a fish or two next weekend.

 

[ca1ore]

If you are going to wait a week, I'd ghost feed the QT otherwise you carefully seeded sponge may start to lose its bacteria.

 

[MrTuskfish]

If you are going to wait a week, I'd ghost feed the QT otherwise you carefully seeded sponge may start to lose its bacteria.

A good point , and often overlooked. We are bacteria farmers first, fish custodians second.