View Full Version : How long can my bacteria live?
Dub-Dub
05-23-2007, 8:51 AM
I have a fully cycled fishtank that I have been adding ammonia to every few days to keep the cycle going, until I find the right fish (on a month of empty cycled tank now already!)
But I am going to be away for a few days and want to be sure I don't lose my cycle. I'll be gone for about 4-4.5 days. Will a dose of ammonia before I leave last that long? Should I find someone to add ammonia for me? Could I throw in some flakes and let that decompose? how much?
If you can find somebody to do it for you, definitely do it. 4 days w/out ammonia is too long. And after waiting all that time you'd probably hate to start it over again :(
Flakes may work, but you can't really control how long they will take to decompose or how much ammonia you'll get...
J double R
05-23-2007, 10:12 AM
i would dose ammonia last thing right before you leave, and toss in a good pinch of fish food, it will last you, and while they cycle may weaken, you wont completely lose it and it should be less that a week recovery when you get back.
Aries
05-23-2007, 10:34 AM
I agree with JRR, the ammonia will set it up for that day and the food will take time to decay thus supplying a source of food for your bacteria. While it is not much, it is food nonetheless.
You defninately wont lose everything if you follow that path.
Good Luck
Aries.
NeonJulie
05-23-2007, 10:41 AM
I only put in a few drops maybe once a week in my media bin. I know for a fact it's still cycled, and it clears about 4ppm of ammonia in a day. I suppose you could lose some of the colony, but yeah with the fish food I don't think you'd have anything to worry about.
EDIT: You know my motto... Divide and conquer, baby.
Dub-Dub
05-23-2007, 3:03 PM
I may just ask someone to come in... that is not a problem... and in reading responses, probably the safest to preserve my cycle.
magakitty
05-23-2007, 3:27 PM
what about adding a cocktail shrimp in a piece of nylon stocking? that would add a steady source of ammonia
J double R
05-23-2007, 9:19 PM
what about adding a cocktail shrimp in a piece of nylon stocking? that would add a steady source of ammonia
good idea, but i would never do that for the smell alone. the theory is flawless though! ;)
good idea, but i would never do that for the smell alone. the theory is flawless though! ;)
I use this method - it IS stinky - but it works great (and CHEAP). In fact, we are going to use this method to cycle new tanks (5G fw and 30G sw). This will most likely NOT kill off bacteria because it will be a large source of ammonia (and stench).
But the food is probably the cheapest since you most likely already have it.
Good Luck!
magakitty
05-24-2007, 2:36 PM
well, you won't be there to smell the rotting shrimp...
Star_Rider
05-24-2007, 2:43 PM
yeah, but the smell will be there on return..matter of fact it should be in full swing by then:thud:
Marinemom
05-24-2007, 3:30 PM
The smell of the rotting shrimp in the tank when you return will be enough to send you through the roof. I would do the fish food thing and test when you get back. If you can get someone to come in and help you out with this, it will be even better.
Marinemom
Dub-Dub
05-30-2007, 9:17 AM
I ended up dosing up the ammonia to about 6 or 8 ppm before I left on Thursday morning, and good dose of flakes. Came home Monday morning added some ammonia, and by the same time Tuesday, it looks like they ate it all up... so my cycle survived. Added more ammonia last night and will double check.
I can't believe I've had an empty tank this long!