How long does it take bacteria to colonize on filter floss for use in qt tank?

[Macimage]

I am using some thick felt socks cut up that were in my sump for months but I see that the water is not flowing through them that well.

I put some filter floss in the sump of my established tank a week ago and was wondering how long I should leave it there before moving it to the qt filter?

 

[vetteguy53081]

I am using some thick felt socks cut up that were in my sump for months but I see that the water is not flowing through them that well.

I put some filter floss in the sump of my established tank a week ago and was wondering how long I should leave it there before moving it to the qt filter?

I would not rely on filter socks, as you found clog quickly and periodically. I would revert to sponge-foam-bio balls

 

[Idech]

I like at least 2 weeks, 3 is even better but if you need it ASAP, maybe take half and let half keep seeding ?

 

[Jay Hemdal]

I am using some thick felt socks cut up that were in my sump for months but I see that the water is not flowing through them that well.

I put some filter floss in the sump of my established tank a week ago and was wondering how long I should leave it there before moving it to the qt filter?

You need to actively move water through the material you are trying to seed, just laying static in the tank, very little bacteria will colonize the surfaces.

I always give the media 4 to 6 weeks to become colonized. My favorite way of doing this is to put one of those air driven double sponge filters in the sump.