Tank Recycle

G

greak

Hi, recently without thinking I changed out all the filter media and threw it away. Ammonia levels have now gotten to .25 and was wondering if there was anything I could do besides water changes every day? That is going to get expensive really quick after the 4-6 week time to reestablish the cycle.
 
Hi greak,
There are several things you can do. First, how big is your system? And what kind of filter are you using?

You can start by adding Prime. (http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=4057) It will remove ammonia from the water. Use it, then test your water to see how it's working for you. You can get this at your LFS (Local Fish Store) so you can start right away, the links are for reference.

Next you can use something to kick start your cycle. Something like Brightwell's MicroBacter7 is very good. (http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=19615) It should help you get things back on track soon. Also available at your LFS.

Another thing you might consider is getting water from someone who has a good stable system to add to your tank. After all, we are all doing a 5% change each week, right? '-)

Finally, depending on the size of your system you may try adding some additional well established live rock or filter media from another source.

In preparing for the future, look for ways to add additional bio space to your tank. Consider adding your next filter media to your sump where the bacteria can grow on it prior to being put into service. If you have a small set up, consider adding a canister filter to add a ton of extra filtration, including biological. You want to use something like a good biological media like MarinePure bio spheres (http://www.bulkreefsupply.com/filter-media/biological-filtration-media.html).

Hope this helps. Keep us posted!
~Keith
 
Thanks Keith, I plan on going to my lfs tomorrow and see what they have. I don't know anybody really in the hobby so I don't have access really to others cycled materials. If anybody has some extra cycled filter media available, I'd be glad to pay a decent price for it.
 
@greak wrote:
Thanks Keith said:
You're welcome! That's what this forum is for, people in the hobby helping each other. (Plus see below!)
@greak wrote:
I plan on going to my lfs tomorrow and see what they have. said:
I'm not sure what part of town you are in, but we have tons of great LFSs in the area. If you can't find what you need right away, take a look at our Map of LFSs! http://www.dfwmas.org/lfs
@greak wrote:
I don't know anybody really in the hobby so I don't have access really to others cycled materials. If anybody has some extra cycled filter media available said:
Sounds like you should join DFWMAS! We have a lot of fun, tons of great people with SO much knowledge, and we even have monthly meetings where you can meet other people in the hobby and learn good stuff. In fact, our next meeting (July) is next Wednesday, July 10. I'm co-presenting on (of all things) emergency preparedness for your tank. You can come and see what it's like and see if you'd like to join. You can learn more about it here: http://www.dfwmas.org/Forums/viewtopic.php?f=6&t=111191

As for filter media, I use a filter sock at the intake of my return pump. I'd be happy to hook you up, but I just changed the sock yesterday and the old one is being cleaned. What size system do you have? That will help others determine your needs and what they might be able to offer you. Also if you can tell us what exactly it was you tossed you may find someone with exactly the same thing to offer you! The more you tell us the better we can help you out. :)

Again, hope everything works out with your tank. Keep us informed! :)
Keith
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Thank you again Keith, that sounds interesting and might have to check it out sometime. The tank is a 28 gallon and I used stuffing and carbon for filter media.
 
What's your location I have sponges in my sump that I leave in there in case I need to setup a qt. you can have one any time.
 
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