even with foam media available unless it is alot it takes up to 2-3 days before the bioload is at it's max. If you have LR in the tank to begin with and some live animail then you have to feed it and it will keep the bio filter built up I also have some cheato in there just because I had extra. I don't get HA or red slime in the take and it has been up and running for 6 months. All new fish go into it for a minimum of 2-3 weeks and at that point the disition is made to keep them in there or move them.

Bill