How long to seed a filter pad w bacteria?

[Neptune 555]

My bad... I went into the LFS and picked up a flame angel and did not have my QT set up! I set one up for my new addition... and am doing TT BUT how long does it take to seed a filter pad? I just added filter pads to the sump in my DT so that I can remove these and add them to my QT tank to ensure NO ammonia. How long until these pads are seeded w/ bacteria? I am doing TT so will move fish every 3 days.. but in 3 days ammonia can still build up?

The new fish is eating and looking good! I never leave it to chance and will still complete my TT cycles ensuring no ich. BUT how to maintain no ammonia while I do this?

 

[mfinn]

When I pre-seed sponge filters, I like to go at least a month in the sump of my display tank.

If you are doing TTM, I would feed really small amounts a couple times a day.
I use the seachem ammonia badges on my quarantine tank.
Maybe keep a product like ammolock on hand.

 

[Humblefish]

IME; it usually takes at least a month in a DT for a pad/sponge to be seeded enough for ammonia control in QT. However, that wait time can be greatly reduced if you use a bacteria in a bottle product: https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/ammonia-control-in-a-hospital-tank.296119/

How big is the Flame, and what size QTs are you using for TTM? Ammonia typically will not build up in just 3 days, but you can always use a reducer (e.g. Seachem Prime) so long as no other chemicals (like Prazipro) are in the water.

 

[Neptune 555]

I am not using any meds....(last time I did use prazi pro I lost mt flame angel) Fish looks great doing TTM b/c I want to be sure that no ich gets in my DT. Will Amquel work the same as prime?

 

[Humblefish]

Will Amquel work the same as prime?

Yes

 

[Neptune 555]

@Humblefish I am keeping my flame angel in QT loner then expected b/c the fish I want to tank transfer her with arrive on Thursday. Given she is staying in the 10 gallon tank longer do I add more Amquel? How long will Amquel work to remove ammonia? When the bio load of my QT tank is higher how do I keep the ammonia down? Does amquel at some point stop working? I do have ammonia alert badges on.... BUT IMO it is pretty hard to tell straight yellow from yellow with a tad of green? and I know angel fish are very sensitive to ammonia. Once TT is over they will go in my observation tank that does have LIVE ROCK.... and will be very stable.

I am adding a Vroliks wrasse / xmas wrasse / blue spotted puffer. Any suggestions? I think in a week my filter papds will give some safety but I will be relying on amquel.

 

[Humblefish]

@Neptune 555 The active ingredient found in Amquel (sodium hydroxymethanesulfonate) only remains active in the water for about 48 hrs. So, if you need ammonia control beyond that you will need to do a WC or redose Amquel. I caution against using any ammonia reducer as a permanent solution for ammonia control. Think of it more as a band-aid to fix an emergency.