Use fresh H20 in new saltH20?

[Cavufarm]

Hey guys, is there any risk adding water from an established freshwater tank to speed up the cycling of a small saltwater tank?

Exchange filter foam? Anything kind of swapping to get some bacteria in there?

curious...

 

[jeffb3t]

Personally, I wouldn't chance it. Fresh RO salt water is the only thing that will go into any new tank I set up. Patience is the key to keeping a salt water tank. Add some uncured live rock and start your cycle. Less of a risk IMO.

 

[azmorpheus]

I believe its two different types of bacteria, one can survive in freshwater, the other in saltwater. But by adding fresh water bacteria that will most likely die off like that, you will cause your tank to cycle, so if you have any fish in there to help the cycle they will most likely die.

If you want to speed up the cycle your best bet is to add cured live rock to the tank or your lfs or online store should sell some live bacteria that comes in a package (cant remember the name of it) and pretty much instantly adds all the bacteria you need and reduces your cycle time to a couple of days.

 

[Cavufarm]

yeah live sand and live rock are already in the tank...its been 4 days with no ammonia levels present. no fish yet.

 

[Cutiewitbooty]

so you already did it? I wouldn't have done it, it's not worth the risk.

 

[Paintbug]

your tank may have already had the ammonia rise, then drop. adding live sand would have added the bacteria that breaks down ammonia, and nitrites. if in a small tank with just a few pounds of LR you may not see any ammonia. but once you add some fish you will. what i would do is go to the local grocery store, and get some fresh uncooked, whole shrimp. drop one or two in the tank for a few days. that will add a little more of a bio-load, and will allow more of the bacteria to grow. that way when you add fish it wont be as much of a shock to the system. by the way what are your nitrite, nitrate levels?

 

[Rendos]

azmorpheus is correct. Saltwater bacteria will not survive in freshwater, and vice versa. Seeding a saltwater tank with freshwater from an established tank is pointless.

 

[Cavufarm]

Thanks everyone for input...

Amber, no i havent already but freshwater into the saltwater tank. I was just thinking about it.

On day one i had live sand and live rock with my filter and powerhead running. on day 4 my ammonia and nitrite levels were 0. (didnt test nitrate) this lead me to believe the process either hasnt started yet, or much to my shagrin...was complete.

perhaps Paintbugs idea with some store bought shrimp placed in the tank for a period of time would let me know if sufficient bacteria is present with monitoring ammonia and nitrite/nitrate levels.