Bio-wheel and cycling refurbed tank

[Fresh04]

I just about emptied my aquarium to start it with live plants. I was wondering what my cycling time should be. I have an activated bio-wheel that I kept fresh from the pre-work. I took about 2/3 of the substrate out to be replaced with flourite, which I just mixed with what gravel was left after removal. With the exception of about 2-3 gallons (out of a 36 gallon tank), it has all been replaced.

I tested today, ammonia and nitrites were non-detectable.

How long should it be before I can start adding my fish back?

 

[Uncle Bete]

I don't see any reason why "now" wouldn't be a good time.

Have you put plants in yet... might just wait till after that just for the sake of fish stress?

 

[Fresh04]

Yep, plants are in, water is in...

 

[Uncle Bete]

Got Fish? :dance

 

[Fresh04]

Yeah, they are going knutz in a 10 gallon at the moment!

 

[Uncle Bete]

lol
gonna tear up some plants when they get back in there, huh!:laugh:

 

[Fresh04]

Hopefully they won't.

So the tank should be ready to go after having the old bio-wheel running with the new water?

 

[Uncle Bete]

yup!

you didn't say how you were keeping the bio wheel fresh.

but if you didn't loose any bacteria on the wheels during the change over. the population could be dropping because now there running on a fishless tank, which means lack off food (ammonia/etc.) compared to what the bacteria were getting.

So yes, put the fish in.

sry for not making that clear