Another Stupid Question

[psycopop]

Hi

Am looking to setup a small quarantine/fry tank (probably around 40/50l orso). As this tank won't be in use all of the time, I was wondering how best to keep the filter medium mature. The way I see it is - if their isnt anything in the tank to produce the waste - what does the bacteria have to feed on to survive. Surely I can put fish into a quarantine tank that isn't cycled, as this would just cause them stress, and is more likely to kill them than adding them to my main community.

I know im probably just not seeing something really obvious, but it just seems a bit strange to me

 

[doresy]

Firstly you must do a fishless cycle see THIS

Once you have cycled your tank then you must keep the bacteria alive. Do this by daily adding ammonia and water testing. You will need to do periodic water changes as your nitrAte levels will rise as they would in a tank with fish.

Finally you would do about a 95% water change and a final ammonia dose 12 hours before adding fish. Do test before you actually add fish to double check all is as expected

 

[rfisher]

Hi

Am looking to setup a small quarantine/fry tank (probably around 40/50l orso). As this tank won't be in use all of the time, I was wondering how best to keep the filter medium mature. The way I see it is - if their isnt anything in the tank to produce the waste - what does the bacteria have to feed on to survive. Surely I can put fish into a quarantine tank that isn't cycled, as this would just cause them stress, and is more likely to kill them than adding them to my main community.

I know im probably just not seeing something really obvious, but it just seems a bit strange to me

No question is ever stupid if you dont know the answer. We all start somewhere.

Richard

 

[Aphotic Phoenix]

Many people keep their hospital/quarantine/fry tanks running and cycled all the time. Some just keep plants in there while it's not in use (but still dosing the tank with small amounts of ammonia to keep the bacteria alive), while others keep a few small fish or shrimp in it. (Just be sure to remove them when the tank is holding fry of course!)