[Blackheart]

Hello all. So if I have media from a filter that is already cycled, can I toss it in a new filter and use it this way until it builds up enough bacteria on its own? And also, how long does something like this take?

 

[minorhero]

Hello all. So if I have media from a filter that is already cycled, can I toss it in a new filter and use it this way until it builds up enough bacteria on its own? And also, how long does something like this take?

Yes, and it depends on if the tank is getting ammonia from some source (pure ammonia, rotting fish food, poop, etc). Typically 2 or 3 weeks if you have some kind of ammonia source.

 

[Blackheart]

The tank the new filter will be on is already cycled, stocked and planted. Has been setup for 6 months.

 

[ElleDee]

You should have a good portion of BB living in the tank already then, so that's less pressure on the new filter even without the cycled media. I wouldn't rule out a mini cylce, but it should bounce back very quickly.