Do I have to cycle my tank?

[Guppylover]

I have a small air pump in my 6 gallon tank, I'm going to change it soon to get a filter because the air pump is quite noisy and well a filter would be much better.
What I want to now is, do I have to cycle my tank when I add the new filter?
It is going to be a brand new filter, and it won't have any aqaurium nutrients and things.

 

[Nisha]

Your gravel should contain all the good bacteria so you shouldn't need to cycle your tank again. Just make sure the you change the filter in a very short period of time so that the bacteria in your gravel doesn't die out.

 

[FishDan]

Nope, you won't experience a cycle or notice anything other than the quite. When you add your filter bacteria will grow in the filter in addition too and/or to replace some of the bacteria in your aquarium, as the filter media usually provides a better environment than the tank itself for the bacteria.

\Dan

 

[Guppylover]

Thanks FishDan and Nisha
I'll be getting the new filter either today or tomorrow... and I don't usually take long when changing filters.

 

[clutterydrawer]

to be on the safe side, just run both filters at once for a while.

 

[skimpy]

to be on the safe side, just run both filters at once for a while.

I agree, but I can be paranoid

Seriously I would run both and let my new one mature a bit before removing my old one, it makes sense to me.

I wouldn't be sure how long though before the new one would establish its bacteria - Can someone tell me that - Thanks

 

[Guppylover]

Ok then, I'll run both filters on until the new one gets enough good bacteria
Thanks everyone!

 

[skimpy]

I wouldn't be sure how long though before the new one would establish its bacteria - Can someone tell me that - Thanks

Please

 

[Leslie]

It's a good idea to run both for about 2 weeks.

 

[skimpy]

Thanks a lot leslie