If you have the option to get beneficial bacteria from another filter, its a wicked awesome way to cycle your new tank. If you disagree with this video please read the description below, and then debunk my video after (it saves me time, and will save you embarrassment).

This method has many benefits:

1. Your adding the beneficial bacteria to your substrate, and hard aquascape, and well as your filter. Adding a cycled filter pad from a pre-existing filter does not go far enough. Your substrate is a MASSIVE component of the microbiome of your tank, and just throwing in filter pad(s) totally neglects a large portion of your ecosystem.

2. You can replace the sponge back into the pre-existing filter, so that system stays stable as well. In my example my Fluval 406 stays intact, and goes back to work intact.

3. Its free and does not cost you anything VS buying products from the fish store whos efficacy is questionable.

Who agrees with me?

John @ KG Tropicals    • The Nitrogen Cycle / The Ultimate Gui...  

Mike @ Mass Aquariums    • How to CYCLE your AQUARIUM: Nitrogen ...  

Dan Hiteshew    • Instant Tank Cycling: Does it work?