I had a previously well established tank, which housed my 8 yr old Cichlid. He died about 2 months ago and I have kept the tank running but haven’t been adding food or anything.
A week ago I took out all the old decorations and added lava rock and live plants.
Then yesterday I changed the substrate from gravel to sand, but kept some of the gravel as I made a little island out of it for the rocks and plants.
In the process of adding sand, I removed almost all of the tank water apart from 1 bucket worth which I had the plants in while I was doing the change.
I also changed from an in tank filter to a HOB but moved the sponge from the old filter to the new.
I want to buy fish this week but I’m just worried that because I have made so many changes plus the tank has received no food for 2 months.
Do you think I need to cycle the tank again before adding fish? Or can I just start adding fish food and see if the levels stay ok? If so, how many days should I wait before adding fish?
A week ago I took out all the old decorations and added lava rock and live plants.
Then yesterday I changed the substrate from gravel to sand, but kept some of the gravel as I made a little island out of it for the rocks and plants.
In the process of adding sand, I removed almost all of the tank water apart from 1 bucket worth which I had the plants in while I was doing the change.
I also changed from an in tank filter to a HOB but moved the sponge from the old filter to the new.
I want to buy fish this week but I’m just worried that because I have made so many changes plus the tank has received no food for 2 months.
Do you think I need to cycle the tank again before adding fish? Or can I just start adding fish food and see if the levels stay ok? If so, how many days should I wait before adding fish?