Re using empty Tank

[Ravin]

Hi All,


I have two tanks, one 55gal community, and a 10 gal. I've transferred the fish from the 10 gal to the community in view of stocking the smaller one entirely with Guppies (it's for my daughter). The question is that I've left this tank empty for nearly two weeks. I gave it a good clean and water change prior to the fish moving but left the heater running in the new water without touching the filter. Would there be enough of a bio load to cope with new fish or do they start to die out as soon as your remove fish?

I've had to do this - as my lfs is quite far.


Thanks for any advise.


Ravin

 

[Liliano]

I would imagine that without a food source your bacteria has not survived.

The only way to know for sure is to add some ammonia solution to the tank and then periodically test over the course of 24 hours.

If you add about 20 drops (usually sold in 9.5 or 10% solutions) do an ammonia test about 5 minutes after and take note of the reading. I would then suggest you do a test ever 3-4 hours. If the ammonia levels drop then bacteria is still present and living.

If the level doesn't drop, add some gravel or filter squeezings from your larger tank and follow the fishless cycle documented in the Beginner section of this forum. If your LFS is quite far away then it is well worth doing this as any fish you buy will be stressed out from such a long journey and may not prosper in an uncycled tank.


Hope this helps

 

[Nina7777]

Theres very minimal chance that your bacteria has survived two weeks with no source of amonia. However if your 55 gallon tank is already established then just take some gravel and filter media from there and put it into your 10 gallon. Your best bet would be to stock your 10 gallon very slowly.