cycling 2 filters w/o a tank

[NDsuperduty]

I think this should work but wanted to get other opinions. I have a pro clear 200 wet dry with skimmer hole setup on a shelf. Then I have an FX5 setup on the floor. The fx5 output hose is running into the intake of the wet/dry, and the fx5 intake(water suction pipe) is set up where the wet dry pump would normally be. I added start right to the water and used the filter pad from my wet/dry at home in this wet dry so it had bacteria to start with.

I know the water will flow, as its working now, but is this enough to to get the filters cycled over the next week or two?

Will try to post a pic shortly.

[TexSun]

SOunds as though it will work.

[barrettsline]

cycling 2 filters w/o a tank

I don't see why it wouldn't.

[SunnyHouTX]

Re: cycling 2 filters w/o a tank

Make sure to add an ammonia source.

[NDsuperduty]

what is considered an ammonia source?

[TexSun]

what is considered an ammonia source?

Dead table shrimp, some fish food, maybe buy a rosy and let it do its business in the wet dry... all these can be considered sources for ammonia

[troy tucker]

Very Interesting. The X5 is using the sump as a tank? Do you have bio ball or other in the W/D ? What are you planning to use them on?

IMO. yes it will cycle in days but it seems like a lot of work. I guess it could be fun to watch it. Either one or even both would cycle on a tank in the same time. using the cycled filter padding sponge. will speed the cycle time...

[NDsuperduty]

The wet/dry is going on my 200g that will be arriving next week(hopefully), and I will probably use the fx5 on it as well to start it up but not sure about long term. I am trying to get the filters cycled so my tank can be up and running ASAP. It will be in my store so I dont want it running for 3 weeks without fish.

I found some old gold fish food laying around my store. How much should I use? I put in 2 pinches already but not sure if it needs alot. I would say there is about 10-15g total cycling through everything.

[barrettsline]

cycling 2 filters w/o a tank

That should be enough. You could go get a few of the 0.10 minnows from petsmart as well.

[TexSun]

Two pinches should be good to start. You just need something to start breaking down. Get a test kit and monitor the changes, and watch the cycle.

[NDsuperduty]

cycling 2 filters w/o a tank

Nothing fancy but seems to be working.

Since I don't have a heater in it I used hot water, but not sure how long it will stay hot

[barrettsline]

cycling 2 filters w/o a tank

Looks like it should work just fine.

[troy tucker]

thats cool! nice show tank for your store.
I can see why you would want it up and running ASAP. Even a few days of cloudy water wouldn't be good.

Are you going to use purigen? I don't use it but if my tank were in my store. I think I would.

[NDsuperduty]

i have purchased the purigen and some filter bags but still need to read up more on how to use it properly.

[troy tucker]

A lot of people here use it. I have used it but dont use it any more. It's good stuff!