I'm planning to set up a large barebottom discus aquarium and I came across some nice driftwood with moss and ferns attached at a local fish store. They'll be putting it in a large plastic bag with wet newspaper to keep it moist when I buy it. I'm wondering if the beneficial bacteria will survive for a few hours in that setup.
Similarly, I'm also thinking of getting a matured sponge filter from the pet store. What's the best way to transport it - in a plastic airtight bag with minimal water or a plastic bag full of water covering the whole sponge filter?
Beneficial bacteria on driftwood and plants
Re: Beneficial bacteria on driftwood and plants
Re: Beneficial bacteria on driftwood and plants
I'm inclined to think that transporting the sponge filter submerged would be the better option, considering the bacteria are fully submerged in the filter. I'd imagine the bacteria would remain viable, but I wouldn't want to hazard a guess on their overall viability. Once you've got everything set up in your tank, I'd recommend adding ammonia to about 2ppm, then test for ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates after 12 and 24 hours. If the bacteria are still doing their thing, you should see the ammonia levels drop to zero by 24 hours, with nitrites decreasing and nitrates increasing from the 12-hour mark. This is, of course, a fishless cycle method.
I'm inclined to think that transporting the sponge filter submerged would be the better option, considering the bacteria are fully submerged in the filter. I'd imagine the bacteria would remain viable, but I wouldn't want to hazard a guess on their overall viability. Once you've got everything set up in your tank, I'd recommend adding ammonia to about 2ppm, then test for ammonia, nitrites, and nitrates after 12 and 24 hours. If the bacteria are still doing their thing, you should see the ammonia levels drop to zero by 24 hours, with nitrites decreasing and nitrates increasing from the 12-hour mark. This is, of course, a fishless cycle method.
Re: Beneficial bacteria on driftwood and plants
Re: Beneficial bacteria on driftwood and plants
I'd be less concerned about the bacteria on the driftwood, to be honest. The sponge filter should also be okay if it's left in water for a few hours.
I'd be less concerned about the bacteria on the driftwood, to be honest. The sponge filter should also be okay if it's left in water for a few hours.
Re: Beneficial bacteria on driftwood and plants
Re: Beneficial bacteria on driftwood and plants
Thanks for the feedback, I had similar thoughts as well
Thanks for the feedback, I had similar thoughts as well