Cycle Water However...

[london_kev]

Hi All,

Basically i am 1 week into my cycle of water, did a water test and was told another week should be fine, however i am looking to grow some plants etc and need to introduce the soil into the tank. This will be difficult now as there is water in my 20L.

Can you tell me if it is ok to empty out the water introduce the soil and plants then fill the tank up again with the same water...?

 

[Curiosity101]

When you cycle a tank you are growing a bacterial colony in the filter. So yes removing the water should cause no problems to the cycle. Just make sure the filter/filter pads remain wet (in another bucket filled with the tank water you've removed).

Then refill the tank as normal, making sure to dechlor the water before you put the filter back in.

Side note: Who told you that your tank should be cycled after another week? So a total of... 2 weeks? How have you been cycling?

 

[Miles_hot]

The advice around here tends to be to leave the plants out till the end of the cycle as once you add the plants you also have to switch the lights on which may cause you algae issues. Also when you do the 80-90% water change at the end of the cycle that would seem to be a good time to sort the soil etc...
Just a thought
Miles

 

[london_kev]

When you cycle a tank you are growing a bacterial colony in the filter. So yes removing the water should cause no problems to the cycle. Just make sure the filter/filter pads remain wet (in another bucket filled with the tank water you've removed).

Then refill the tank as normal, making sure to dechlor the water before you put the filter back in.

Side note: Who told you that your tank should be cycled after another week? So a total of... 2 weeks? How have you been cycling?

Yes a total of 2 weeks, a test was carried out at my aquatic centre. Thank you for your advise.

 

[This Old Spouse]

A good 6 weeks at least is needed for a fishless cycle. You really should check out the posts for cycling new tanks here

 

[mattbleasby]

A good 6 weeks at least is needed for a fishless cycle. You really should check out the posts for cycling new tanks here

+1 I cant stress how important it is too cycle your tank properly. Otherwise prepare to have an empty tank soon

 

[Curiosity101]

+2

You definitely aren't 'cycling' by the sounds of it.

Could you maybe tell us how you're currently cycling? Is it just plain water in a tank or are you adding ammonia artificially?

 

[london_kev]

+2

You definitely aren't 'cycling' by the sounds of it.

Could you maybe tell us how you're currently cycling? Is it just plain water in a tank or are you adding ammonia artificially?

I have just used aquasafe, nothing else