New tank - Use pond to speed up cycling?

[North]

I have an established pond in my back yard and I have a new 125 gallon tank to prepare and cycle to get ready to add African cichlids to. I have a theory that I can use some of the water and rocks from my pond to quickly establish a bacterial colony in my aquarium and cycle it to appropriate levels. Sound logical?

[merlyn2221]

I don't see why not, but then again, if you are going to add salts and such, it might disrupt the bacterial balance you currently have. In theory though, you should be ok.

I do this all the time with my Koi tank (they are indoors for winter) media...move if from there to my cichlid tanks as needed. I've never had an ammonia or cycling problem. I just wonder if there is unwanted bacteria in the stuff from outside, though. I guess you could take a chance and see.

Good luck!

[Cichlid_Fan]

I have actually gotten dirty water from my regular pet store to start new tanks. You still need to wait a bit for everything to set up. Patience is a virtue.

[SGypsyMermaid]

i think that using the rocks from your pond would be the best way to go. just my opinion, though.

[ander]

at the aquarium stor i work at we do it all the time. we ususaly take a filter cartridge off an old tank and put it on a new tank. just make sure the water is de-chloirinated.