How long to seed sponge filter for QT tank?

Yedgy · 09/28/2007, 04:12 PM

Hi all,

While my nano is cycling, I'd like to set up a 2.5-gallon QT tank. However, I understand that I should be keeping a sponge filter in my main tank so that I can transfer it to the QT tank as a live biological filter whenever it's needed. Given that I'm going to be introducing my clean-up critters soon, I'd like to get this biological filter well established ASAP. How long will it take to seed my sponge?

I previously removed my tank's built-in filter sponge for fear of it becoming a nitrate factory, but after doing some research I understand that having a small sponge available for QT far outweighs whatever small increase in nitrates the sponge may cause. Live and learn!

Thanks!

xenon · 09/28/2007, 05:39 PM

I dont bother with those filter sponges.. i just do large water changes in the qt tank to keep amoinia down.. if it gets out of hand just use "prime"

09/28/2007, 04:12 PM	#1
Yedgy Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Phoenix, AZ, USA Posts: 390	How long to seed sponge filter for QT tank? Hi all, While my nano is cycling, I'd like to set up a 2.5-gallon QT tank. However, I understand that I should be keeping a sponge filter in my main tank so that I can transfer it to the QT tank as a live biological filter whenever it's needed. Given that I'm going to be introducing my clean-up critters soon, I'd like to get this biological filter well established ASAP. How long will it take to seed my sponge? I previously removed my tank's built-in filter sponge for fear of it becoming a nitrate factory, but after doing some research I understand that having a small sponge available for QT far outweighs whatever small increase in nitrates the sponge may cause. Live and learn! Thanks! __________________ "Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known." - Carl Sagan

09/28/2007, 05:39 PM	#2
xenon Owner of Canada Corals Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Mississauga, Canada Posts: 3,148	I dont bother with those filter sponges.. i just do large water changes in the qt tank to keep amoinia down.. if it gets out of hand just use "prime"