I have heard to let tap water sit in the tank for about 3 days, to see if it leaks, is that true?
When setting up a new tank, or anyt tank after it has been dry for any time, it is always advisable to get it running without fish for a day or two. You could just fill it with water for a day or two, but I'vee never wasted time doing that, I just put in the substrate, aquascape, plant, fill with water, get the filter and heater running...and leave it for a day or two to detect leaks, ensure the heater is properly set, etc.
How do I test the filter that came with it? EVENTUALLY I will get a sponge filter, but for now, I’m keeping the filter that came with it, just so it can start it’s cycle.
There is no value in using a filter other than the one intended for the tank, which I think is what Deanasue was saying too. Set up the sponge filter.
Can I cycle the tank “bare bottom”?
Yes and no, depending what one means by "cycle." You want a substrate from day 1; no fish tank should eve be bare bottom, it is not healthy. The host of bacteria that colonize the substrate are essential to a healthy biological system. The filter is not a substitute. You can have a perfectly healthy aquarium with no filter, but you cannot do this with no substrate unless you do daily large water changes. And even that is no substitute or even comes close to the substrate activity.
Also, how do I safely test the heater that came with it?
Do I just clean it, and then put it in a tank with a thermometer?
I think instructions come with the filter (if it is new) EDIT: I meant heater, not filter. But in a nutshell, when the tank is full of water that is the temperature you intend going forward [so if you intend 25C add water that is this temperature from the tap], place the heater where you want it and leave it for about 20 minutes, then plug it in. Adjust the knob higher or lower very slowly until the pilot light comes on (if off) or goes off (if on initially). You may have to do this a few times to get the setting correct. But wait 10-15 minutes between each adjustment so the heater can "adjust" itself. Having a thermometer in the tank will make sure your temp is staying where you want it.
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