New tanks cycling help

[Winterose]

So I'm getting a 20g from an old fish breeder who is getting outa the business. she is going to leave the tank part full of water from the old fish that were in it so it will be ready to go for fish after a couple days. but i won't be able to get the fish for the tank till January and I'm picking the tank up tomorrow. will this be a problem or if i keep the filters running will it be fine till Jan? or should i get a couple like snails to throw into it till then? all help is appreciated.

 

[jbradt]

The water alone will not be enough to keep the tank cycled. Regardless, without a source of amonia, the bacterial colony will die off anyway in that amount of time.

 

[Winterose]

The water alone will not be enough to keep the tank cycled. Regardless, without a source of amonia, the bacterial colony will die off anyway in that amount of time.

even if i put something like snails in and feed the snails food?

 

[jaylin]

If you're feeding the tank (or the snails) that will help keep the bacteria alive. Come january, when you start adding fish, you'll want to add them in shifts so the bacteria can catch back up, but other than that, it shouldn't be a problem.

 

[Winterose]

ok thanks

 

[jbradt]

If you're feeding the tank (or the snails) that will help keep the bacteria alive. Come january, when you start adding fish, you'll want to add them in shifts so the bacteria can catch back up, but other than that, it shouldn't be a problem.

Agreed, the food and snails will give the bacteria food to live, but at a minimal level. Adding the fish slowly in January will be fine.

 

[Reddog80p]

So why not just ask the breeder to give you a few fish to keep the tank running till your ready to restock? or you could get some danios or something cheap to do the same. An empty tank is hard to look at

 

[Winterose]

So why not just ask the breeder to give you a few fish to keep the tank running till your ready to restock? or you could get some danios or something cheap to do the same. An empty tank is hard to look at

i would but they don't have any more their last fish went to fishy heaven over this last week maybe i'll get those or something