Cycling new substrate in an already established tank

[AudreyG]

Howdy y’all!
I am beginning the process of setting up my seahorse tank. I bought some dry substrate for my tank because I don’t entirely know when I will be able to get around to setting up the tank officially. I have had my other tank set up and running for around 7 months now. I was wondering if anyone has ever tried turning either dry rock to live rock or making live substrate in a sump? I was thinking that I could get a mesh bag and just put some of my substrate in my sump so that it constantly has water running through it and will get the essential microorganisms that an established tank has. I don’t want to have to completely cycle my new tank if at all possible and I had planned on using water from my water changes in the new system when I get it set up to further speed along this process.

Does anyone have any suggestions or experience with this? I would really appreciate any advice.

Thanks!
Audrey

 

[billwill]

You’re exactly on the right track. That method works perfectly

 

[Skynyrd Fish]

Do it. Also put some dry rock in the sump to seed it also.

 

[AudreyG]

You’re exactly on the right track. That method works perfectly

Thank you!

 

[AudreyG]

Do it. Also put some dry rock in the sump to seed it also.

Thanks!