Reverse a Reverse??
I recently setup a 29-gallon tank (1-4-09) and used the entire contents of a 5-gallon hex to do it. Gravel, fish and of course, the filter media… The thinking here (if I have learned my lessons correctly) is that most tanks setup new require that the filter media first has to be colonized with ammonia-converting bacteria. This entire process should take place in about 4 weeks — but often takes up to 5 or 6 weeks. Monitoring all levels so far; I have not had any issues. pH in the tank is about 5.5 with no ammonia levels at all and PWC¢s were begun after the first week at the rate of 25%. GH and KH are just about nonexistent, which is perfectly normal according to my well water base line. All this is being said, and assuming that NO issues or ammonia spikes occur or any other problems with water parameters after a run-in period of 6 weeks, can this process be reversed? By that I mean this. Can I again remove some of the colonized filter media, some of the top layer of the gravel of the current running tank, and begin the cycle all over again by starting another tank up following this same procedure? Bill
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Category: AquaticLife
