Not sure if my tanks cycled..?

Question

I recently moved and had to leave my empty tank behind at my old place for about a month. I didn't have any fish yet, but I left it w/ new water and had "fed" it a few times to cycle it. Problem is, I wasn't able to make it back to my old place enough to keep checking the ammonia levels and I'm not sure if it cycled or not. I left it going for about 2 months while I was moving and I'd like to put fish in now.

The ammonia, nitrate and nitrite levels are all at zero, so I can't be sure it ever cycled properly. Do you think fish would be okay? What should I do if I put fish in and the ammonia levels suddenly rise? Can I cycle again?

Answer 1

Unfortunatly it is most likely not cycled. Since it was a very new tank with very little bacteria much if not all of the bacteria has probably died off from a lack of food source. You can always cycle again by adding in some fish food or something to decay and start the cycle over. If you decide to go ahead and add in fish and your ammonia spikes there are products that will detoxify ammonia and nitrites to keep the fish safer but not completely safe. Some water changes during this time will help keep the levels less deadly to the fish and will also extend your cycle time.

Answer 2

If the bacteria didn't have ammonia for a food source, they would be at a low level again. You can add some pure ammonia at a few drops per ten gallons and monitor the changes through, nitrite, and nitrate first to be safe. If you don't see the ammonia drop fairly quickly, you may need to start the cycle over. Otherwise, you're risking the fish getting ammonia or nitrite stress (or poisoning).

Answer 3

It may or may not have cycled,if you have the time add some tiny amount of ammonia and see if it goes away in a short time. If it does,your tank is cycled,although the colonies are probably not very large,because they have not had a steady source of food(ammonia). If you decide to try adding fish,go slowly, add only two fish and then monitor the ammonia carefully for at least two weeks. If it's OK after two weeks add two or three more and wait for two more weeks,and test again. If the bacteria are present,it will take time to build up to full function. Good luck.

Answer 4

What size is this tank? My guess is no, it is not cycled. Being inactive that long, you may have started a cycle process, but without active ammonia for your stage 1 bacteria to "feed" on, and subsequent nitrite for that stage 2 bacteria to "feed" on, then the colonies will die off. If you have a smaller tank, try adding a few zebra danios, or if you want something more colorful to watch, try a spotted platty or mollie. They are hardier fish that I have used to cycle through a 20 and a 15 gallon tank, with small losses. My tanks cycled out at 32 and 38 days respectively.

Answer 5

The tank isn't cycled. A cycled tank will have 20 ppm of nitrate. If you aren't getting any levels, then there's nothing in the tank at all.
As you're aware, nitrates build up in response to nitrite which builds up in response to ammonia. If you were 0 ammonia, 0 nitrite and 15 - 20 ppm nitrate, you'd be cycled. This is like a fresh new tank.

Answer 6

I tank is carefully cycled whilst after quite a few days to each week of no water differences the two ammonia and nitrites study 0 and you comprehend there's a source of ammonia in the tank. as far as changing pH in a salt tank i could refer you to SeaChems line of marine products. they seem to do an exceedingly stable job of coping with the area. i've got no longer stored a marine tank in some years so i'm going to refer you to somebody else as far as fish compatability is in contact. with a bit of luck somebody like Copperhead, 8 in the corner or DanielleZ will p.c.. that up for you. MM

Answer 7

it'll be easier if you put aquatic plants in the tank, the plants helps to neutralize the water alkaline and ph, instead of figuring and calculating it out by yourself. after a few days the water should be fine for fish to settle.