do I need substrate, can I get by for a couple of weeks without?

[bobc4d]

something of a side question about the Tetra Safe Start thread.

I thought of this:
I could break down the 36G; put fish and plants in buckets, drain the water, remove gravel move the tank then set up without the gravel and plants until I'm sure the 40 breeder is safe for the fish.

will the fish be fine without the gravel for a week or two? (keep constant check on water params) should I go ahead an add the plants to the 36 until the 40 is ready or will the fish be fine in basically just a tank of water and bubbler?

 

[TheCommunityCichlid]

Why are you moving from a 36 to a 40

 

[bobc4d]

strange answer, I am comfortable with the tank size . . . for now. I like the look of the 40 breeder, low and squat LOL

I got a great deal on the 36 w/stand

 

[TheCommunityCichlid]

Alright to answer your question you should be fine with no substrate for a while

 

[Joshfishguy]

Ya definetly u need to establish colonies in the substrate

 

[Zimmanski]

Ya definetly u need to establish colonies in the substrate

If you have a good BB colony in your filter bed theres no need for substrate other than looks. Many people keep a bare bottom tank.

 

[bobc4d]

Thank you for the replies. It does help with what I wish to do