Filter media while cycling tank?

[Shimis]

I have a biocube 32. Just set it up. Should I remove the filter media while cycling the tank or leave it in? Right now I'm using filter sponges and a poly filter pad.

 

[Mjrenz]

Leave them in so bacteria can start to populate on them and they can help to filter particulates out of the water

 

[Marco S]

Filter media, substrate and rock should all be in the tank during the cycle. This is where all your good bacteria will grow to turn Ammonia into Nitrite and Nitrite into Nitrate.

Now if you plan on quarantining your livestock, (which you really should) then you will not want any rock, sand, (unless the fish in question needs sand) or chemical media such as carbon while medicating fish as it will absorb the medication and defeat the purpose of QT.

 

[Shimis]

Filter media, substrate and rock should all be in the tank during the cycle. This is where all your good bacteria will grow to turn Ammonia into Nitrite and Nitrite into Nitrate.

Now if you plan on quarantining your livestock, (which you really should) then you will not want any rock, sand, (unless the fish in question needs sand) or chemical media such as carbon while medicating fish as it will absorb the medication and defeat the purpose of QT.

Thank you for the advice.

 

[Joshua Mummery]

^^^ what they all said. lol