New (used) tank...cycling questions

[DogFish]

I picked up a 10 gal tank today, from a hobbyist who didn’t need it anymore. He had a few dozen guppy babies in it. So I have a tank with gravel and filter that has been used. SO! Does that mean that it may not take long to cycle the tank? I havn’t got it running yet, but I will tomorrow. Obviously I will be filling it with new (conditioned) water.
Shall I let it run for a few hours (day?) and then check my levels of ammonia nitrites etc?
Or should I start adding ammonia tomorrow?

Edit: Sorry I should have posted this in the beginners section..

 

[Inchworm]

Hi DogFish

If I were you, I'd connect the filter and get that tank up and running right away.

If it's already cycled, and if you know that he didn't get rid of his fish because they were diseased, I think you could safely use it with just a good gravel cleaning and partial water change.

If you don't get the filter running, any beneficial bacteria in it and the tank will soon die and you would have to cycle from scratch.

 

[crazie.eddie]

Did he give it to you with the water, gravel, decor, intact? If you never removed any and never let them dry then there is no need to cycle. Although, regarding diseases...I would let the tank sit running for about 2 weeks. This gives more than enough time for parasites and stuff to go through it's life cycle. With no host to latch on to, they would die.

Otherwise, if they did dry up, then I would treat it as a new tank and start the cycle all over again.

 

[DogFish]

I went and started it up as soon as I read Inchworm's post, and no, the filter and gravel didn't dry at all. One piece of decor, and some water in it but not much. So it has had about an 80percent water change.
How will I know if the levels are ok? If there is nothing in it, then the levels will read 0, if it is cycled, they will also be 0. right? And if it is cycled, don't I need to keep adding ammonia to keep it cycled if I run it for two weeks?
He did assure me the tank was disease free. His other tanks were amazing. You fishaholics must have awesome homes, with so many tanks.

 

[crazie.eddie]

Don't add ammonia, just let it run for a week. When you add fish, add like 1 or 2 a week. This will increase the ammonia and benificial bacteria. As the ammonia spikes, perform about 10%-15% water change. Still do your normal gravel/cleaning and water change on a weekly basis.

You can probably add more fish, but I believe in the slow approach. Besides, better safe than sorry.

 

[Inchworm]

Hi DogFish

I wouldn't add any ammonia, but I would get some fish in there as soon as possible. Start with one or two and see how your water tests go after a few days.

What kind of fish are you planning to put in there?

 

[DogFish]

I posted the fishy part of this in the beginner section, but I cut and pasted here:
1 centerpiece fish, a betta or a dwarf gourami (I think I want the gourami)
a school of something - here are my favourites:
4-6 neons, or harlequin rasboras, or cherry barbs or other slim-bodied tetras?
2-3 pygmy corries.
What do you think?
Which fish goes in first?
The tank has no live plants (perhaps in the future) but several silk and objects to hide in, it has an aquaclear mini filter and no heater until tomorrow when I buy one. No heat may affect the current bacteria?

The gravel in the tank is a natural gravel, the sizes range from 1/8 inch in diameter to 1/8 inch by 1/4 inch pieces. Is this small enought for corries?

So If I start with a gourami or betta, that would be best? I wish I could check if it was cycled somehow, I don't want to hurt the new fishy!