Tank Cycling

[Sanctuary Reefer]

Long time lurker, first time poster from Melbourne Australia……….

Just in the process of completing a build of my first reef tank – 1,750 litre (464g); 360cm (141”) x 70cm (27.5”) 70cm (27.5”), which will be primarily a LPS tank.

My question is in relation to cycling. I’m planning on using Seachem matrix as part of my biological filtration, however I want to put the matrix in a filter bag (I’ve got 200-micron filter bags presently). Therefore, my question is:

(Q1.) Will the filter bag, being 200 microns, filter out beneficial bacteria and impede its colonisation on the matrix?

(Q1.a) If so, what size micron filter bag would be appropriate, noting I want to have the matrix in a bag.

FYI - I plan on cycling with Dr Tims fishless cycle, and will also use mechanical filtration (course sponge etc.) ahead of the bio media to help filter out the particulate matter etc.

Thanks in advance for your responses.

 

[T-J]

A quick google search shows that most bacteria are 1-2 microns in diameter and 5-10 microns long.

 

[Alvaro_Spain]

Long time lurker, first time poster from Melbourne Australia……….

Just in the process of completing a build of my first reef tank – 1,750 litre (464g); 360cm (141”) x 70cm (27.5”) 70cm (27.5”), which will be primarily a LPS tank.

My question is in relation to cycling. I’m planning on using Seachem matrix as part of my biological filtration, however I want to put the matrix in a filter bag (I’ve got 200-micron filter bags presently). Therefore, my question is:

(Q1.) Will the filter bag, being 200 microns, filter out beneficial bacteria and impede its colonisation on the matrix?

(Q1.a) If so, what size micron filter bag would be appropriate, noting I want to have the matrix in a bag.

FYI - I plan on cycling with Dr Tims fishless cycle, and will also use mechanical filtration (course sponge etc.) ahead of the bio media to help filter out the particulate matter etc.

Thanks in advance for your responses.

No prob using those bags.

 

[Sanctuary Reefer]

No prob using those bags.

Thanks

 

[Azedenkae]

Just in case you may want to be even surer, FritzZyme nitrifiers are 2 microns long: https://fritzaquatics.com/resources/articles/preferences-of-nitrifying-bacteria

Presumably other nitrifiers utilized in bottled bacteria products are gonna be related species and may be of similar size.