Will Media From An Old Fishless Tank Work?

[busterbrit]

I started a fishless cycle today with a new 16 gallon tank. I have a small 2 gallon tank that ran for 6 months and is still running but has not had fish in it for about 2 months. Will there be any bacteria left in the water or media? If yes should I put some water and media from the old 2 gallon tank into the new tank?

Thanks!!!!

 

[divegirl]

Afraid not!
Bacteria needs ammonia to grow and thrive. No fish=No ammonia.
You'll need to cycle using added ammonia....unless you know someone who can donate filter media from a tank that is up and running well.

Lisa x

 

[OldMan47]

The 2 months will have seriously reduced the active bacteria in the old filter but it still might hold some live bacteria that can be revived by giving them a dose of ammonia. It couldn't hurt to try it.

 

[busterbrit]

The 2 months will have seriously reduced the active bacteria in the old filter but it still might hold some live bacteria that can be revived by giving them a dose of ammonia. It couldn't hurt to try it.

Thanks. I will give it a try.

how do I know if there is any bacteria? I'm guessing by adding the ammonia and if it disappers in a day or two then there is some descent bacteria levels...

 

[fatheadminnow]

With no ammonia source, the bacteria die off at a rate of 3%-10% daily.

So I would say in about 2 weeks with no ammonia, the bacteria would be completely wiped out.

But you never know, so I would just give it a shot!

-FHM

 

[OldMan47]

If you start treating the tank like a fishless cycle and find things coming together quickly, it is safe to say you got a boost from something.