Seeding New Tank with BioBlocks

HTXReefer · Sep 2, 2020

This may be a long winded question. To start I have taken down my 72 bowfront and moved all fish into a 55 gallon with HOB to make way for a new 180 gallon tank. I have moved all rock from the 72 to the 55 as well. My 72 was infested with fire worms, bristle worms, vermatid snails, GHA, etc. (product of rookie impatience). I do not want to reuse any of the rock from the old system on the new because of the pests and GHa.
I do however want to take advantage of the established bacteria. Can I put a bunch of bioblocks in the 55 for a month or so and transfer it to the new tank when I get it wet? Am I risking transferring the pests along with it!? Looking to ad some bacteria diversity from the start and not just startup bacteria.

Auquanut · Sep 3, 2020

Seems to me there is a chance of transferring all of the above. Let's see what others have to say.

Kryptonian · Sep 3, 2020

Wouldn't risk it. I think it's extremely likely that something hitchhikes, maybe just super small that you can't really see, and you miss it.

Guessing during that month you're not going to have the 180 setup yet? Since you have a month of time on your hands where the bio blocks would be sitting in the old tank anyway, go ahead and buy your rock now, throw them in a big bucket, and cycle in the bucket.

Uncle99 · Sep 3, 2020

Just do a cycle with Fritz 9, and the bio blocks. Won’t take long, mine cycled in 3 days....

HTXReefer · Sep 3, 2020

Kryptonian said:
Wouldn't risk it. I think it's extremely likely that something hitchhikes, maybe just super small that you can't really see, and you miss it.

Guessing during that month you're not going to have the 180 setup yet? Since you have a month of time on your hands where the bio blocks would be sitting in the old tank anyway, go ahead and buy your rock now, throw them in a big bucket, and cycle in the bucket.

I was kind of leaning this way but was slightly hoping there was a way.
You are correct. I’m about a month a month out from having the tank wet. The rock will arrive Tuesday but I’m still finishing the stand right now. I do have a spare 75 gallon tank I could start the rock in. Thank you

HTXReefer · Sep 3, 2020

Uncle99 said:
Just do a cycle with Fritz 9, and the bio blocks. Won’t take long, mine cycled in 3 days....

I’ve never used Fritz. I’ll definitely look into it. Nice tank btw.

Cwentz758 · Sep 3, 2020

Ya get the rock cycled in something long before hand. Helps cut down on the new tank uglies. I’m in your same boat with some snails and worms I don’t want transferred when I order my lagoon. I plan on ordering my rock 4-6 months out and just have it cycle and sit to leach out all the nasties.