Should I start cycling, or am I wasting time and electricity?

[Linoleum Knife]

Hi all, I'm starting a new tank and figured I'd do a little introduction and ask a question.

I started a low-tech planted tank 6 years ago and inherited a reef tank a short while later and ditched the planted tank. I did well with the reef tank for a while, but things began to decline and I didn't want to keep sinking money into it. Being in college didn't help. I sold off some of my rock and equipment, but for some reason never sold the tank or lighting.

So for the past 3-4 years I've had this 28 gallon bowfront tank, stand, and 2x65w light in storage.

I recently got my own apartment (after many many years of living with roommates) and realized life completely alone is a little... lonely. I decided I wanted some form of life around me, but dogs and cats are too needy! I've dealt with walking dogs in the freezing cold, it sucks! and no stinky litter box for me! (plus they require a deposit ) So I want to return to higher-tech planted tank.

I set the tank up this past weekend and started filling it with water to check for leaks and it turned out okay. I don't have a filter or siphon or substrate yet, so I've had it sitting full of water. I found a heater and an air pump and threw them in there to see if they still work, and they do.

So here's my question: Should I run the air and heat to slowly start up the bacteria, or wait until next week for my filter and eco-complete to arrive? I know a bare tank can harbor bacteria, but will the eco-complete pretty much negate my puny bacteria growth and truly jump-start things? Am I just wasting electricity bothering with heat, light, and air right now?

Thanks all!

 

[1oooop]

I would say... yea... wait for your filter and substrate to come... unless you are really that eager, then go ahead... but turn off your heater and light...

 

[justahannah]

The filter's the big thing, that's where most of your beneficial bacteria hang out, and quite a bit attach to the substrate as well. Once you get them, I'd definitely recommend starting a fishless cycle using ammonia. There's a thread here (http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84598) that'll give you the pros and cons and whys and hows of cycling. Without the filter or substrate, you wouldn't be able to build up enough bacteria to really help your cycle, so waiting for the delivery is a good plan.

 

[Linoleum Knife]

I figured those were going to be the reponses, but I was curious enough to ask anyway. Thanks guys! :headbang2:

 

[excuzzzeme]

Run out and get a sponge filter and hook it up to the air. Make sure it is rated for a 40-55 gallon tank. Toss some food in and let it start to decay. Or toss in a small amount of pure ammonia. This will start a cycle and you don't have to rush the rest of the stuff. The sponge filter will start to form bacteria so don't rinse it. If room and water stays above 75 turn off the heat for now. As far as lighting goes, if tank is in a well lit area that gets direct sun, leave the lights off for now also.

Good Luck!