Cycling Needed?

[TotallyTropical]

I was thinking of doing a full clean of my 10gal tank, temporarily moving my fish. I was going to use a bleach solution (9cups water 1 cup bleach) that I read was safe for fish ornaments and tanks, as long as they weren't porous (wood, etc), and that you soaked everything afterwards. Would I need to cycle the tank again to get it started up again? If so, how long will it take?

 

[TotallyTropical]

Also, I have to put my Kuhli Loaches in, would they be able to go in, or would I still have to wait a bit? And can I use sand instead of gravel? I was thinking of using it for the Kuhlis (since they prefer it).

 

[tomtomtom1230]

I would imagine you'd go through a half-cycle. Alongside your filter, maybe about 15-20% of your bacteria (too many variables to say for sure) lives on the outside of your bio-media. Bleach would kill these colonies. I would recommend waiting a week or so for the Kuhli's personally

 

[TotallyTropical]

Ok!