bacteria/filter question

[cope]

I have done searches and checked around, but there are some questions I am not too sure about the answer.. here are some questions:
Does the bacteria only live in the filter?I have read that the bateria lives where there is flowing water so it has oxygen. So I would think that the filter would be the best place. Is that where it would be the hardiest? and is it OK or common practice to put a small bag of ceramic disc into the hang on back filter?
So when you are doing water changes, the bacteria remain in the tank on a surface, and the nitrites/nitrates are supended in the water. when you do the water change you are not loosing any bacteria?

If the bacteria live in the filter and on the bio media (ceramic disc) when you start a new tank, you can remove some of the bio media to add to the new tank to give it a jump start? Thus reducing the cycle time.

I understand that the bacteria live on/in the bio wheel..... so would it be OK to add the ceramic bio media to the filter tank so you could give more area for the bacteria to live?  I am thinking that the more area the bacteria have to live the better the bio filtration would be. Or is the filter designed tohouse just the correct amount of bacteria?

The reason for the question... I am wanting to get another tank, so I thought I would "seed" the new tank with bacteria that I could grow on extra bio media... but I am not sure that is how you do it.... I understand that the bacteria live and multiply by the amount of waste available.. and die off when the amount of waste is reduced...

Am I thinking correctly..... what would be a good way to grow extra bacteria for a new tank,Or can it be done? Or do you just take half of the bio media and allow the old tank to catch up  and the new tank will catch up as well?   with just half..

And I am still wondering about the nitrite/nitrate levels in tap water... what is the benifit of a water change if the new water has these componits already in there?

There was also a mention of plastic plants, Is that a bad thing?   since I am new to the hobby, shouldn't I get adjusted to justthe cycling and water changes and testing before I jump into to added education and troubles of live plants.

These are questions of the moment... I am sure I will have more.. and believe me,before I ask, I do try tofind the answer by tons of research...
Thank you to all who have replied to other postings... you may not realize, but I do check daily for answers and to value each response.... thank you  COPE

[CichlidFan]

Re: bacteria/filter question

I believe that there are many forms of bacteria in the aquatic world, some helpful and some not so helpful.
Beneficial bacteria can and does live primarily in filters and in hoses and in some cases in the tank itself like on a sponge filter.
The more bacteria or colonies of bacteria, the better for the most part.
Adding "established" filter media to a new tank will expedite the cycle process somewhat.
The rest of your answers will have to come from the more experienced boxers here, as I am getting a headache thinking about all your inquiries.... :)

Seriously, it's late and I'm tired....

CF

[Zulaab]

Re: bacteria/filter question

The bacteria lives in the filter, your gravel and also suspended in your water.. except for the fact as you saw the bacteria bloom and it later going away they prefer to attach themselves to something where water flows by.   Ie Filter, gravel and anywhere they can get a foot hold.
When you do a water change you are removing Nitrates from the water more than anything else if you have a well established filter system.
Can you seed a filter with another tanks filter... yes almost everyone does that.  If they dont have a spare they start the filter system up for their other tank in the already established tank and let the bacteria grow in there for a week or two to seed that filter.  Now move the "new" filter over to the new tank and you create the same effect.

Hope that helps :)

and CF -- we are here to help cope.. not make him feel that he is asking to many questions  :P  :P  :P

[eklikewhoa]

Re: bacteria/filter question

Beneficial bacteria will be everywhere in an established tank where there is surface area.....water itself holds little to none. There are different types of beneficial bacteria which are of use in our tanks. as for the oxygen thing....its in the water column so filter or not its there....what increases oxygen in the water is good gas exchange which is through water surface
agitation.

Bio-wheels are somewhat of a gimmick. The disc or bio-media will and is a better option.

Water changes not only remove nitrates but replenish minerals and elements found in water the fish/plants use up. Also with that your nitrates will never be lower then what you are getting out of the tap but then again it will get higher with fish load so technically you are still lowering it.

With beneficial bacteria.....there is no set amount of BB you have in your tank...adding tons of media will not add BB to your tank since it is based on you bio-load. Example....if you have 10 fish in the tank which get fed three pinches of food a day then you will have enough BB to handle 10 fish that get fed three pinches a day. Remove half of that media and you have cut the BB in that tank in half so to speak which is not a problem for an established tank. The waste from the inhabitants is what creates "food" for the BB.
Now with that you put the removed half into a tank to "jump start" the new tanks BB....which in your case should become very simple since you already have nitrites in your water source. Keep in mind though, if there is nothing "feeding" the BB then they will die just like any other living organism.

[Fire_chair]

Re: bacteria/filter question

What they said.

[cope]

Re: bacteria/filter question

That's the kinda answer I was looking for...THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!! I do appreciate it.... I am the kinda person who needs to know WHY? something works... Not that it just works........ Once I get a better undstanding for that, There is no stopping me..... Thanks again guys.... And really, I know I have asked a lot of questions, and that will subside... and hopefully I will be able to help the next "new guy" that comes around...... Cope

[Mzungu]

Re: bacteria/filter question

About the plastic plants - Make your tank how you like it. Personally, I can't imagine any of my tanks without plants.  :)  But if you like it, then keep it the way it is! This is a hobby for you to enjoy, not necessarily to impress others. As long as your fish have things in the tank in which they can hide, and feel secure, it doesn't matter if it's live plants, driftwood, or anything else.

Just be aware that a lot of us LOVE planted tanks, and LOVE to convert those without them.    

[szidlon]

Re: bacteria/filter question

I would say it's more "beware" than be aware of the plant people  :bsjoke:

[Mzungu]

Re: bacteria/filter question

:shhh:  Don't want to scare them off just yet...  

[CichlidFan]

Re: bacteria/filter question

I'm afraid he's just going to have to learn to "cope" with us eh?..... :)

CF

[JStrider]

Re: bacteria/filter question

haha...


for the plants... I wouldnt recomend someone new to the hobby try any of the harder plants... but there are some that will live in almost any conditions... check out this article:

http://aquamaniacs.net/forum/cms_view_article.php?aid=38

try Java Ferns  they seem to be doing fine in my tank... and I havnt done anything special, have about 1 wpg in lighting