Quick cycling question...?

[ctendoh]

So as you all are aware from my post down below this one, i'm headed off to college next fall semester, and plans are to take a 10 gallon with me. What I want to know is, if I hooked a new 10 gallon filter up to my 20 gallon community tank right now, and ran it for the next 8 months, so long as it was kept wet during the transfer, would that be enough to start cycling my new 10 gallon? I'll most likely start everything fresh except the tank itself, meaning new gravel, heater, and ornaments. I'm not sure what I plan to do with this 10 gallon, but most likely it'll be a simple tropical setup, as I can't undertake anything too serious in a dorm room.

So just to be clear on what I'm asking about, would building up biological material in a new filter by hooking it into a stable tank be an effective startup method for a new tank? I'm also curious as to how long I would cycle for with this kind of startup. I'm not in any rush, I'm just curious.

Thanks in advance!

[Carl]

If I am reading your question correctly, you are planning all new except the tank.

There may be some carry over assuming your aquarium is kept wet and exposed to oxygen, however since it is the filters that do the bulk of nitrification, your likely going to get little help from this.
So I would plan on 6 weeks (sometimes more or less) unless you can add some "seasoned" media from another tank that is kept wet and not more than 4 hours out of its established tank (aerobic bacteria start dying within four hours without adequate oxygen)

Aquarium Nitrogen Cycle

Carl

[eve]

absolutely
that's the best head start you can give a new tank

usually the cycle time is cut down to no more then 2 weeks

anyone correct me if i'm wrong


seeding a new tank is also the most healthiest way to start a new tank

[murdock6701]

I did my pond in a week by placing used filter bagson top and around my #5 pro sponge filter

[babygeige]

I agree, it's the easiest thing to do. Give the filter media a head start, then set up your tank, add a couple fish and you should be all set! Way to plan ahead!

[kagome]

A couple of months with the new filter running in the established tank should set you up just fine. How far of a drive is it from your old place to the college? Hopefully not too far as Carl said.

P.S. I'm so jealous, I always wanted to live the dorm life but always had to commute instead.

[bikeguy33]

i would continue with your filter idea....but when ya transfer your tank and WET filter.....add a few lil plants and a handful of gravel and a bit-0-the carbon....all this combined i would feel safe adding a fish or 2 in a 24 hour period

[goldenpuon]

I would put a used sponge filter or used filter media to jumpstart your tank before the move. That will help it cycle quicker.

I know that's basically what everyone else said but I still hope it helps a bit.