bacteria

[Bruce410]

So how long can bacteria live in a well established tank that doesn't have fish in it, that still gets light and the filter running?

I had fish in it but I moved all of the fish to my larger tank. its been sitting for about a week. The only thing different is that there are no fish in it. Thinking of getting a couple danios to put in it. want to make sure its still ok. parameters are still good.

 

[mfdrookie516]

With no source of ammonia? A couple days at best. You might be ok though, if there was enough fish waste to keep some ammonia available.

 

[Bruce410]

With no source of ammonia? A couple days at best. You might be ok though, if there was enough fish waste to keep some ammonia available.

Yeah that's what I was afraid of.

I do have a lot of gravel that waste could be hiding in and my filter media is on the older side.
What do you think?
Thanks for the help!

 

[Fishguy2727]

Take the opportunity to clean the tank well, change substrate if you want (I suggest sand). Then cycle and slowly start stocking the tank as if it were new.