Sponge filters/cycling

[willslark]

Will adding new sponge filters to an established tank with HOB (0ppm am, 0ppm nitrite, 5 ppm nitrate) start a mini-cycle and if so how long do mini-cycles last? Is there a way to speed up a mini-cycle?

[X_factor]

Assuming you keep the HOB and everything else in the tank, adding a new sponge filter shouldn't start a mini cycle. I can't think of any reason why it would since the beneficial bacteria is still in the HOB. A mini cycle might occur if you remove the HOB from the tank, though.

[DLock3d]

+1

[pennex1]

If you are worried about a mini cycle, you can add SeaChem Stability to help the cycle. I had a AC110 HOB, Cascade 1000 and 2 sponge filter working in a cycled 45 gallon tank. When i removed the Cascade 1000 canister I put the sponge and media into the HOB but still noticed the tank was going thru a mini cycle, so i added Stability for 1 week. It mini cycled in less then 3 days.

[willslark]

thank you, I'll try, jkust been doing massive WCs

[Sean Buehrle]

Your not going to have a mini cycle from adding a new filter. The only time youll have a mini cycle is if you overstock a tank or clean an established filter too well. You can add a filter to your tank anytime you want with no adverse reaction.

[willslark]

Thanx