You can keep it set up for awile as long as your filter is running.
I break mine down each time, I like to clean it all out just iin case anything bad left behind.
When I start it up I take the water from my main tank, and I always keep a sponge filter in my main tank, so it is ready and seeded with good bacteria. I also take a hand full of gravel or some filter media. This way it should not cycle.
Keep in mind it takes about 3-4 weeks for your sponge to get seeded with bacteria.
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