Filter bacteria

[Ewalk]

I recently moved and got rid of my fish in a 20 gallon tank. I am setting up a 29 gallon with the old filter, ac110, that was on the 20 gallon. How long does the bacteria live in the filter without fish in the tank?

I kept it wet in the old water for a half a day and then set up the 29 gallon. The filter is running on the 29 gallon right now with no fish in the tank. I don't want to have to recycle this tank so hopefully the bacteria will live a few days without fish present. Thanks.

 

[Noto]

The population may shrink a bit over a period of a few days, but probably will not crash altogether. Just in case, add some fish food to the tank (the same amount you would normally feed your fish), the ammonia will keep them going.

 

[night flight]

You can also keep filters bacteria alive by adding a few drops of clear [not scented or with any additives] ammonia.

 

[zennzzo]

I recently moved and got rid of my fish in a 20 gallon tank. I am setting up a 29 gallon with the old filter, ac110, that was on the 20 gallon. How long does the bacteria live in the filter without fish in the tank?

I kept it wet in the old water for a half a day and then set up the 29 gallon. The filter is running on the 29 gallon right now with no fish in the tank. I don't want to have to recycle this tank so hopefully the bacteria will live a few days without fish present. Thanks.

Get some pure ammonia and put 3 drops per day until the day before you reintroduce fish...Turn the heat up to 82+

Be sure to check parameters...