New seeded 54 gallon SA biotope

[mattjm1121]

I've just filled my 54 gallon tank which will be set up as a SA biotope. It's been seeded with bio media from a long established planted aquarium. So what I wanted to know is how log should I wait to add fish? I have some fish from the planted tank that I will be transferring. Thanks!

[DiscusDrew]

No need to wait, I age my water, so when I set up new tanks with old media from SAFE NON MEDICATED tanks, I fill the new tank and allow it to sit for 24 hours then I consider it good to go. Years of discus without a problem, your nitrogen cycle should already be well established, I also do daily 50% water changes which lowers any potential risk of the bio load being too great for the established media.

[mattjm1121]

No need to wait, I age my water, so when I set up new tanks with old media from SAFE NON MEDICATED tanks, I fill the new tank and allow it to sit for 24 hours then I consider it good to go. Years of discus without a problem, your nitrogen cycle should already be well established, I also do daily 50% water changes which lowers any potential risk of the bio load being too great for the established media.

Oh ok great. It's been just about 24 hours so I'll begin to add some fish. Is it possible to have a bioload that is too small for the established media? Thanks

[DiscusDrew]

Yes, however its not a concern as the excess bacteria will just slowly die off over time, being of little consequence. Your aquarium will adjust to whatever the bio load of the tank is.

[mattjm1121]

Ok great thanks. I'll post some pics soon!