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If I were to take a peice of DW from my established tank and put it in my new tank to help the cycle, would I be making a mistake. Also the same with some water from a water change. Another bad idea. I would think that it would help, but I can see that there could be some issues and I am still willing to ask the question.

All that would only be a minimal of good it requires a lot more to give the Cycle a boost start.

Old substrate taken directly from another tank, filter material to seed new filter or using existing filter with undisturbed filter material.
Then there is the question fish or fish-less cycling method, also chemicals can be added to boost it along. Depending on too many factors it is impossible to state when the tank would be ready. A full swap over providing you know exactly what you are doing it can be done straight away. Cycling processes can take from 3-6 weeks and even longer it depends totally on your method used and the tank size, filtration, even if live plants used.

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Keith

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I realize that cycling is not a quick process but will the addition of water and driftwood help the process? If you add water with cycled bacteria will that promote proper growth in the cycle?

Probably not so much. The tank water will contain little to no bacteria. As Keith said, aged gravel, filter material, or just a filter are the best ways to speed it along. The driftwood may help a little, but you run the risk of introducing snails, parasites, and what have you into your new tank. I say just wait it out.

As was said above, the benefit would be minimal. Bacteria lives in your filter media, and also on just about every surface within the tank. The water would contain no bacteria. Benefit from the driftwood would be very minimal, but a handful or so of gravel may help more then you'd think. Also, filter media from your existing tank placed in the new filter may help quite a bit. Adding water may not help the cycle along but will help maintain water chemisrty that any fish are accustomed to. None of these will bring about a cycle overnight, but may just help speed things along. As was said the process may take well over a month, depending on your methods. Good luck!