how long established aquarium without fish

[shorjai]

If I empty this whole entire tank and clean up all the gravel and grab an FX6 from another tank which is running for years, do I need to cycle ?

The fx6 will contain tons of good BB.

 

[tlindsey]

If I empty this whole entire tank and clean up all the gravel and grab an FX6 from another tank which is running for years, do I need to cycle ?

The fx6 will contain tons of good BB.

Some will say yes but it depends on various things like bioload. That would be a great start with the fx6. Please make sure you don't forget to add your Dechlorinator to the aquarium prior to filling.

 

[Jexnell]

If you just removed the fish in the last day or so you may keep the BB alive by testing and adding ammonia as needed to feed the BB.
Also if it been a short time you can go get some tetras what have you to feed the BB for you till the new fish arrive.
If it's been more than a few days you will have to start over from scratch or via jump starting. Now your BB colony didn't just live in your filters. It lives on all surfaces inside the tank. So if you get a filter that is still in use and just move it over, or substrate or decor that's in use. It can jump start your tank. Will have to stock on the low side till the BB can repopulate the tank.

 

[shorjai]

If you just removed the fish in the last day or so you may keep the BB alive by testing and adding ammonia as needed to feed the BB.
Also if it been a short time you can go get some tetras what have you to feed the BB for you till the new fish arrive.
If it's been more than a few days you will have to start over from scratch or via jump starting. Now your BB colony didn't just live in your filters. It lives on all surfaces inside the tank. So if you get a filter that is still in use and just move it over, or substrate or decor that's in use. It can jump start your tank. Will have to stock on the low side till the BB can repopulate the tank.

Can i add fish right away ? The existing fx6 is from 120g and I will move it and plug into the 90g.

Should I wait few days before adding fry? I am getting 40 fry in my 90g

 

[Jexnell]

If you add the fish right after moving the filter it should be ok. I would monitor daily with testing to make sure.

 

[skjl47]

Hello; Interesting that the main question is still not answered. How long has the tank in question been without fish?

 

[pescado209]

just feed the tank as if it still has fish.. the rotting food will keep the bb alive.

 

[fishhead0103666]

Nice profile pic pescado209 , love the coloration of the oscar.

 

[shorjai]

Hello; Interesting that the main question is still not answered. How long has the tank in question been without fish?

1 week without fish

 

[fishhead0103666]

The bacteria is dead then.