Jump start by cycling canister filter in 5 gallon bucket? (Tank not set up yet)

365 Views 2 Replies 3 Participants Last post by Le duke, 6 mo ago

gibsonfan2332

Discussion Starter · #1 · 6 mo ago

So I have a new 33 gallon long aquarium, but I have to wait at least 1-2 weeks minimum before I can build a stand for it. I already have a canister filter but I can't use it with the tank on the floor, since it needs to be placed below.

So I was wondering would it be beneficial to run the canister filter into a 5 gallon bucket with a heater and dose pure ammonia to get a start on the cycle? Is there any reason this would not work or be worth it? I also can use some existing bio media from one of my other tanks to jump start it as well. I figure it would be really easy to dump/change the water and dose the ammonia as often as needed, but also that is only 5 gallons so maybe that would not work well.

The other option is just to wait until I can build the stand and get it running then.

Thanks for any advice!

Save

Reply Quote

1 - 1 of 1 Posts

Le duke

· Registered

Joined Jun 29, 2021

592 Posts

#3 · 6 mo ago

This is what I've done with multiple filters..

Right now, I've got a new FX6 cycling in my basement with a 5 gallon bucket. It's processing 2ppm/day right now. I've got a 27 gallon storage tote I'll transition to soon. Once the filter is processing 4ppm/day from the 27 gallon tote I'll move the FX6 to my 75 gallon planted community tank. I'll keep one of my established Tidal 110s going and gradually decrease the flow through it, and then remove it altogether as well.