How long to populate a new filt W/bio?

[CJC]

How long would you say it would take new filter pad to become populated enough to start a new 40 Gal tank. I want to put a some filter material in an established filter then take that mat. to give a new 40 set up bio. I'm giving this new filter mat. to a person at work for his new set up which he put fish in the 1st day. What do you think, 1 - 2 days be enough time?

[DJRansome]

I usually do two weeks. I think at least a week.

[zcfish]

Depending on how many fish for the new tank as well. I would take some stuff from the existing filter and give it to him.

[finnyas]

I take a sponge filter and squeeze it into the new filter so the sponge water runs through the filter pad and into the tank thus populating the new filter pad with kaka and good bacteria.
cheap way to start conditioning the tank

[Tito]

I take a sponge filter and squeeze it into the new filter so the sponge water runs through the filter pad and into the tank thus populating the new filter pad with kaka and good bacteria.
cheap way to start conditioning the tank

Plus 1. And it's super fast.

[CJC]

Thanks all, great suggestions.

Rick

[Afrabat]

I place an aged sponge filter in the new tank and use it. I will also take a couple spare bio wheels that I replace with ones I have been using and just drop those in the tank. Also I treat with Nutrafin's Cycle.

1st day 25ml/10g
2nd day 10ml/10g
3rd day 10ml/10g

I have done this every time I started a new tank and have never lost a fish! I also either add fish the same day depending how sensitive the species is or after the 3rd day.