newbie

[David63]

I have a fresh water 20 gallon tank, new set up, With an under gravel filter AND a a power filter. FULLof water but no fish, none have ever been in it yet, my silly question is this, Can I completely shut it down for approx 3 weeks and simply start it all back up before I add fish?

 

[Mardaver]

What do you mean by “completely shutting it down”?

 

[Annio]

If by shut it down you mean turn of the filter and not cycle the tank then no. The tank needs to be prepped in order to be safe and stable for inhabitants. Cycling (fish in or fishless) allows beneficial bacteria to build up in the filter and maintain your water quality. Do you understand the cycling process? If not, the members here would be happy to explain or share a link.

 

[rlederer]

I’d never shut off a tank with an under gravel filter. The gravel then becomes anoxic. You might be safe since you have no fish yet, but probably not a good idea.