Any Reason To Keep An Empty Tank Full Of Water?

[BobbyBray]

Quick question, I've got a 10 and 29 gallon that at the moment are not housing anything. I'm still deciding on what fish to put into the 29 (it'll become a mini cichlid tank), and the 10 may eventually house a puffer, lots of shrimp, or frogs. But anyway, is there any reason what-so-ever that I should keep them full of water and the filters running?

I'm not terribly worried about cycling them, my GF has a 29 gallon with a mature filter, and I've already put in a new filter of my own so I can transplant it in anticipation of finally adding fish back into my 29 gallon. The 10 gallon I'm not terribly worried about, and can one way or another get some filter media to help it out if need be. I personally see no reason to keep running the tanks, but if there is a distinct advantage, then I'd be glad to hear it!

 

[keenonfish]

I would empty it personally.

 

[saz326]

The only advantage would be if you had no source of mature media - but as you have that covered you should take advantage of emptying the tank.

Emptying it gives you the chance to "hot wash" the gravel or sand to kill of any nasties, and gives you the chance of sterilising the glass aquarium. A mild bleach wash will kill off any bacteria, virus, pathogens present in the tank - just remember to rinse it off thoroughly and air dry. Store equipment cleaned and air dried and you will be able to just chuck the kit together when you feel the need.

Have fun coming up with new ideas for the tank layouts.

 

[Truck]

if you empty it dont use bleach! why when you can use ammonia?!

 

[saz326]

if you empty it dont use bleach! why when you can use ammonia?!

Yep - both are strong alkalis and will kill nasties. Although ammonia is nasty to use.

I forget about this option - no easy supply of ammonia where I live (not unless you also want to dye your hair at the same time!)

 

[Tolak]

if you empty it dont use bleach! why when you can use ammonia?!

Bleach kills a wider range of pathogens.

 

[bitteraspects]

if you keep it running and cycled, you can add fish at any time without having to wait a few weeks.

 

[keenonfish]

I normally use milton for steralisation.

 

[paulbr1]

if you empty it dont use bleach! why when you can use ammonia?!

I would definately advocate this one, even if you leave a bit in it will be "grub up" for the filter bacs!

Paul.

 

[Athena]

if you keep it running and cycled, you can add fish at any time without having to wait a few weeks.

...but without the ammonia from the fish to feed the bacteria they will die off anyway - unless you keep adding ammonia into the tank.

So, if it's going to be a while before you re-stock, might just as well empty it, like others have suggested.

Athena

 

[bitteraspects]

if you use the 'shrimp method', it will provide enough ammonia.

 

[OldMan47]

If you have a modern silicone sealed tank, it can be easily cleaned and drained for storage. If you have an old fashioned slate bottomed tank with the epoxy seals, you need to keep it full of water or the sealant will become brittle and the tank will leak.

 

[loraxchick]

if you empty it dont use bleach! why when you can use ammonia

Bleach will kill 100% of everything! there is nothing that can "adapt" or survive bleaching...ammonia is a bit different in how it works (biologically)
and if you let the tank air dry and use dechlor like you should be doing after it dries while you fill it back up then whats the problem?
id defo use bleach everything i were sterilizing something...then just let it dry completely. if still worried, heavy OD on the dechlor.

if you need to sterilize decor, and are in a hurry to get it back in place (ie, cant wait for it to dry) then just fill a bucket with water and 10-15% bleach...soak the item for a minute or two, use a toothbrush or similar to scrub if you like....empty the bucket fill back with water and dump in lots of dechlor and soak the item for a while...will take care of any residual chlorine and then just plop it back in the tank. also lots of people tell you to boil stuff to sterilize...this is only 100% effective if RAPIDLY boiling for prolonged period. It is often misunderstood that it is the high temperatures killing off the bacteria...not so...many bacs can survive ridiculous extremes...it is actually the action of the bubbles that is physically breaking apart the cell walls of the beasties. just a thought.
cheers.

 

[Truck]

what would happen if there were bleach residue left on the tank?

 

[BobbyBray]

Wow, thanks for all the info guys, haha. I had no idea what I was going to start when I asked that question When I get a chance I'll drain and clean the two tanks to prep them for future fish. I'll probably go with the ammonia route, since knowing me I'll end up poisoning the fish if I use bleach

what would happen if there were bleach residue left on the tank?

Thats my fear