How long to "cook" bio media?

[JTP424]

Going to be setting up a grow out tank. Currently have a 15 gallon AIO running.
Current tank has live rock but also Asterina Stars, Vermatid Snails, bristleworms etc.
I plan on taking a mesh bag of bio media and using a acclimation box in the original tank and let it "cook" to obtain the necessary bacteria, while keeping it above the sand to avoid bristleworms.

A - Will this approach work without being close to the sand/rock? (I can always put it in my back chambers of my AIO, but I feel suspending will keep it pest free)
B - How long should I let this "cook" before I consider it loaded with necessary bacteria/bio etc?

 

[Spare time]

It might still get those pests in it. Just keep that in mind. As for how long to keep it in there, its anybody's guess so maybe a month?

 

[JTP424]

It might still get those pests in it. Just keep that in mind. As for how long to keep it in there, its anybody's guess so maybe a month?

Good point! I'll probably still give the media a look through just to try to avoid :) Not expecting 100% pest free... but an attempt with the means I have available :)

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

What are you planning to grow? You may not need biomedia at all.

 

[DIYreefer]

This is basically how I start a new system. I'll "cook" the biomedia for the new tank for about 2 months at least, sometimes longer. Works well for me.

 

[JTP424]

What are you planning to grow? You may not need biomedia at all.

Honestly a variety? Currently my stylo, candy cane, and Duncan are taking off

 

[JTP424]

What are you planning to grow? You may not need biomedia at all.

On that note... what type of corals would you say might not need biomedical?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Honestly a variety? Currently my stylo, candy cane, and Duncan are taking off

Corals only? Are you going to feed them?

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

On that note... what type of corals would you say might not need biomedical?

No coral needs biomedia unless you feed it, and maybe not them as long as you do not feed more N than they take up.

 

[JTP424]

In response to both of these! I guess I was planning on keeping a molly or two or damsel to avoid algae etc. so I guess i was thinking if I had to feed them I'd need some biomedia to offset... but maybe I try fishless to start.
Thanks @Randy Holmes-Farley

 

[Knucker]

A couple of weeks. Less if it's in a dark area. The only issue I see here is the pests that will probably hitch a ride in the biomedia. You could always cycle the new tank with like Dr. Tims, or Prodibio is another good one.

 

[JTP424]

A couple of weeks. Less if it's in a dark area. The only issue I see here is the pests that will probably hitch a ride in the biomedia. You could always cycle the new tank with like Dr. Tims, or Prodibio is another good one.

I can't believe i never thought of this! Thank you!