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Hi there,

My 10 gal tank is currently cycling. It's been going a bit over 2 weeks now and is now showing zero ammonia. The tank has a UG filter, powered by a 100gph power head, and a Fluval 1 plus underwater filter for mechanical filteration. I'm guessing that there are quite a few bacteria living on the sponge in there, and probably quite a few bits of poop as well. How long should I wait before I start to clean the filter? should I wait until the cycle has completed, or give it a quick rinse in old tank water every week or so while the cycle is still in progress?

Thanks

NB

If you can see debris give it a rinse but not too vigorous.
You might alternate cleaning it and the gravel, don't do them both at once until you're done cycling.

Mike

I would give it a gentle squeeze in a small amount of tank water just to get the debris off. You don't want to disturb the bacteria.

Did you add something like New and Improved Cycle? Bio-Spira? Stress Zyme?

What kind of fish are in there and how many (sorry if I didn't see it). Usually we stock with 1/4 the max stocking level until we see nitrates and zero ammonia/nitrites. If you used a bacterial starter or a sponge from another tank, then you will be lucky enough to probably never see ammonia or nitrites, especially if your load is small.

Are there plants in here? They suck up ammonia too.

NinjaBill

I would gently rinse it our in the old tank water.
Certainly use a Bio Starter if you are not.

I still use Sera Bio Starter at a measured amount at every water change. I was informed this keeps the origional good bacteria going in your tank.

Keith

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internal filters make extra noise when they get clogged from the dirt. figure out how long it takes your filter to get clogged and clean it in less time than that

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