Seeding QT filter question......

Maveri9720 · 10/31/2006, 08:03 PM

Hi all. I have a question about seeding a QT filter in my sump in my main display tank.

I have on the way, an Aquaclear filter that uses a foam filter block, I think.

I was told to throw it in my sump on my main tank to seed it with bacteria and then place it in the QT for use.

My question is, where does it go in the sump?

Do I just throw it in the sump and let it float around?

Do I submerge the filter?

I don't have anywhere where water is splashing, that I could place the filter, so water could flow through it, but still have air available for the filter.

Also, my main tank is alittle over 3 weeks old, so how long should I leave the QT filter in the sump to accumulate enough bacteria to be able to handle the QT and it's inhabitants?

Thank you in advance.

TekCat · 11/01/2006, 02:09 AM

Basically, put sponge anywhere in sump, but keep it submerged. In a couple of weeks it'll have all the bacteria needed.

btw. you mentioned that your tank is 3 weeks old. did it cycle already? and followup question how big is the tank and how much LR in it?

reefnetworth · 11/01/2006, 02:20 AM

i would place it at the out-take from the sump. sponge loves nitrates and will catch alot of detritus if fed from out-put of main, causing excess nitrates (in Q/T) if not rinsed in side bowl of tank water before entering the Q/T tank. then you will lose more beificial bacteria needed for the Q/TT. and i agree you need at least 3-4 weeks for a good culture to begin.

Maveri9720 · 11/01/2006, 09:12 AM

Thanks guys. So my best bet it is to submerge it and not let it float around?

I was planning on putting it in my last section of my sump, where the water gets pumped back up. Not really much room anywhere else anyway.

To answer TekCat's questions:

- It is in the process of cycling right now. The majority of the rock in there is live, so that is helping my cycle

- And as of right now, I would say I have about 150lbs of rock in there, 100 live, 50 base.

- The main tank is 120g with a 30g sump

Thanks guys.

TekCat · 11/01/2006, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Maveri9720
Thanks guys. So my best bet it is to submerge it and not let it float around?

I was planning on putting it in my last section of my sump, where the water gets pumped back up. Not really much room anywhere else anyway.

To answer TekCat's questions:

- It is in the process of cycling right now. The majority of the rock in there is live, so that is helping my cycle

- And as of right now, I would say I have about 150lbs of rock in there, 100 live, 50 base.

- The main tank is 120g with a 30g sump

Thanks guys.

Definately submerge it, bacteria wont grow on surfaces above water.

Since your tank still cycling, Keep sponge in sump while cycle is going. You'll have the nicest bacterial population on your sponge when the cycle is done. After cycle completes, wait another week or so, and your sponge is ready!

Maveri9720 · 11/01/2006, 01:57 PM

Thank you, that's what I needed to know.

TekCat · 11/01/2006, 02:13 PM

good luck and REEF ON!!!!

10/31/2006, 08:03 PM	#1
Maveri9720 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Dallas, GA Posts: 63	Seeding QT filter question...... Hi all. I have a question about seeding a QT filter in my sump in my main display tank. I have on the way, an Aquaclear filter that uses a foam filter block, I think. I was told to throw it in my sump on my main tank to seed it with bacteria and then place it in the QT for use. My question is, where does it go in the sump? Do I just throw it in the sump and let it float around? Do I submerge the filter? I don't have anywhere where water is splashing, that I could place the filter, so water could flow through it, but still have air available for the filter. Also, my main tank is alittle over 3 weeks old, so how long should I leave the QT filter in the sump to accumulate enough bacteria to be able to handle the QT and it's inhabitants? Thank you in advance.

11/01/2006, 02:20 AM	#3
reefnetworth Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 3,810	i would place it at the out-take from the sump. sponge loves nitrates and will catch alot of detritus if fed from out-put of main, causing excess nitrates (in Q/T) if not rinsed in side bowl of tank water before entering the Q/T tank. then you will lose more beificial bacteria needed for the Q/TT. and i agree you need at least 3-4 weeks for a good culture to begin. __________________ GIVE A MAN A FISH, YOU FEED HIM FOR A DAY. TEACH A MAN TO FISH, HE FEEDS HIMSELF FOR LIFE. (NEVER, underestimate another man's greed) Current Tank Info: SPS dominated barebottom display with BB sump since 2005, most consistant parameters in 19+ years of reefkeeping.

11/01/2006, 02:09 AM	#2
TekCat Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: MN Posts: 3,130	Basically, put sponge anywhere in sump, but keep it submerged. In a couple of weeks it'll have all the bacteria needed. btw. you mentioned that your tank is 3 weeks old. did it cycle already? and followup question how big is the tank and how much LR in it?

11/01/2006, 09:12 AM	#4
Maveri9720 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Dallas, GA Posts: 63	Thanks guys. So my best bet it is to submerge it and not let it float around? I was planning on putting it in my last section of my sump, where the water gets pumped back up. Not really much room anywhere else anyway. To answer TekCat's questions: - It is in the process of cycling right now. The majority of the rock in there is live, so that is helping my cycle - And as of right now, I would say I have about 150lbs of rock in there, 100 live, 50 base. - The main tank is 120g with a 30g sump Thanks guys.

11/01/2006, 01:57 PM	#6
Maveri9720 Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Dallas, GA Posts: 63	Thank you, that's what I needed to know.

11/01/2006, 02:13 PM	#7
TekCat Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: MN Posts: 3,130	good luck and REEF ON!!!!