How much of a difference does it make to add bacteria to a non-cycled tank?

Question

I have a footlong blue channel catfish named Joey who I recently moved from a 20 gallon tank to a 55 gallon tank. Since the ammonia was very high, I had to move him very fast, so therefore, I didn't give the tank the full time to cycle (only gave it one week). Because of this, the tank is not FULLY ready for him, and the bacteria that converts ammonia into nitrite and nitrite into nitrate does not exist in the tank yet. The ammonia levels are around 1-2 ppm, down from about 8-10 ppm in the old tank. They don't seem to be getting any higher as I tested this morning and tonight and the level seems to be much the same (It actually seemed to have dropped a little). To build up the bacteria (as suggested), I have added the contents of a fully functioning tank into the new tank. The tank in question is 3 gallons, and I took the filter, bio wheel, gravel, and ornaments and placed them in the 55 gallon tank.

How much of a difference will this make to the overall toxic levels of my new tank.

I'm not using any actual bacteria product bought in stores, but bacteria grown in an already functioning tank.

Answer 1

It will make a big difference over the next few days. Just make sure it's Bio-Spira, and not a knockoff like Biozyme or Cycle, which are just the dead bacteria and completely useless.

If you don't want to / can't find Bio-Spira, just do 10-20% water changes every few days to keep the ammonia down over the next couple weeks.

Answer 2

It will cut your cycle time significantly, but the tank must still cycle. Keep up with small water changes so the fish doesn't get poisoned while the bacteria grow and do their work.