Cycling a sponge filter in an established tank

[MyLittleComet]

So I've gotten a new tank for my second axolotl, and I'd like to cycle it as soon as possible, and I got the idea to put the new filter in my already established tank so it would take in the good bacteria. Will that work? And if so, how long until it's cycled so I can put it in the new tank and add my axolotl? (The old filter is still in there and running of course)

 

[wolfen]

you could get part way there as it would help to start a bacteria colony the only problem is that you are right now splitting the filtration for one tank, so as the bacteria builds on one the bacteria colony reduces on the other.
increasing the amount of food will help with balancing it out more, but you will still have to allow the new filter to finish cycling in your new tank, plus because by then you will have reduced the filter amount in your old tank you might get fluctuation in the water parameters.
it will help cut down the cycling time but how long it will take depends on how big the bacteria colony is.

 

[MyLittleComet]

you could get part way there as it would help to start a bacteria colony the only problem is that you are right now splitting the filtration for one tank, so as the bacteria builds on one the bacteria colony reduces on the other.
increasing the amount of food will help with balancing it out more, but you will still have to allow the new filter to finish cycling in your new tank, plus because by then you will have reduced the filter amount in your old tank you might get fluctuation in the water parameters.
it will help cut down the cycling time but how long it will take depends on how big the bacteria colony is.

Ah I didn't hook it up the new one actually (sorry I should've specified that), its just sitting in there at the moment. Is that still splitting the bacteria colony? Or is it doing nothing at all then?

 

[wolfen]

it will build a small amount of bacteria but it will take a long time, it will reduce some of the old filters bacteria but not much unless its in the tank for a longer period, a bit like adding substrate to the tank.
you will still have to monitor the old tanks parameters to make sure it doesn't effect it to much upon removal.

 

[MyLittleComet]

it will build a small amount of bacteria but it will take a long time, it will reduce some of the old filters bacteria but not much unless its in the tank for a longer period, a bit like adding substrate to the tank.
you will still have to monitor the old tanks parameters to make sure it doesn't effect it to much upon removal.

Ah okay, thank you very much. I'll just cycle the new tank like normal then and keep an eye on the old tank after removing it as well.