New Qt, no Dt bacteria question

[CK00020]

So I am in the process of setting up my dt and I figure I may as well start some fish in the qt so when it’s ready they can go in. My question is how to start up the qt with no bac population from the dt?
I have a hang on back for the 20gal, heater, air sponge filter, power head, medications, and testers. So do I just soak the sponge filters with bio spira and put some ammonia in? Any idea how many days till fish, do I have to wait till it cycles?

 

[RobB'z Reef]

Cycle it like any other DT with a nitrifying bacteria of your choice (you mentioned bio spora). Test it like you would your main tank and when your cycle is done you should be good to go. I've read about many suggesting bio balls and other similar media that can be sanitized between qt's for reuse. Arguably sponges can't be reused.

 

[CK00020]

Ok thank you, just wanted to make sure I was on the right track