How long should I let this tank cycle?

Question

I recent bought this 30 gallons used tank. The seller told me that this tank was up running until a month ago.

I got a tank, heater and filter only. I need to know if I should cycle this tank? The only media I still use from previous setting is just a form but I added the new carbon and ammonia remover thing.

Also I don't have the air pump and light yet. Will I need these things right away?

By the way I got the gravel with it too. I forgot to mention that.
I add those media because I got the manual for the filter and I was reading it and found those things are need for a filte.

Can anyone tell me what media they use on their tank. I am so confusing when I read from different sites. I just want to learn from one real life tank.

And about the lights why the previous owner never had lights before and he had fish in his tank for two years?
Thanks

The previous owner told me that I should put some few real aquatic plants and that will be it and after that I will not need air pump. I didn't want to listen to him because I knew he was just trying to sell his tank with no light hood fixture and air pump. I tried to do my research online but there are so many contradictions information.

Any help would be very appreciated

Okay I am going to take the ammonia remover out. The filter I have is RENA XP2, There is no fish yet in the tank as I was reading to see what I have to do before putting anything in there and I found I need to cycle it.

All these things I just bought and is just from reading on the net.

1. What media a re mostly needed as I found now the ammonia remover is garbage.

2. I just got the master test kit but I haven't open it yet becasue I don't even when i should take the reading and what results I need to see from the readings.

Answer 1

http://www.fishlore.com/NitrogenCycle.htm
http://fins.actwin.com/mirror/begin-cycling.html
http://www.firsttankguide.net/cycle.php

Your tank needs to be cycled. I suspect you have no idea what that means, but these web sites will clear things up considerably.

Answer 2

I think there maybe some confusion in what you mean by cycle the tank and the nitrogen cycle reading your input. Cycling the tank, just to make sure you understand, doesn't mean the water itself cycling through the filter, its referring to the nitrogen cycle process. If you added media from an older tank I think you're going to find that basically useless to you unless the transition was within the same day. I mean if you took the filter media out and transfered it to your filter you have now, in the same day then you probably did save the bacteria you need. If there was so much as even a day's delay that bacteria is pretty much dead and useless.

So here the thing. You really want to take that ammonia remover out. Ammonia remover, IMO, sucks. It takes out ammonia in your water yes, but never is going to remove it all. Leftover ammonia, in the amounts left over are not suffecient amounts to help spur your benefecial bacteria to grow to the size needed to keep your tank stablized, so please get rid of that stuff. I am assuming your filter has a mechanical (sponge) Chemical (carbon) and biological (bio max) set up like most aqua clear filters have.

You did the right thing with the right idea, but just understand that ammonia remover is actually hindering your progress, and if you do have any of that bacteria saved, probably will see a mini cycle, but if that bacteria is all dead, about 6-8 weeks to get it to the needed levels. Things that will help you and your fish at this point, keep food down to a bare minimum, and don't worry this isn't going to hurt them, they do not use food in the same manner you and I do, and only do water changes outside of your weekly change, if you see your ammonia and nitrite reach lethal levels.
If you have any other questions, feel free to email me direct anytime.

JV

Answer 3

you will have to cycle it assuming the filter was dry for the month that the tank wasnt being used. you will know when it is done cycling when the ammonia and nitrates are 0. the air pump would be a good idea if the filter isnt in contact with open air.

Answer 4

you should never put an ammonia remover in a tank

you said you got a tank, i doubt it very much that it came with the water in it, so the answer is yes, you will need to cycle your tank.

As of airpump, you mean one for a bubbler i guess, since you said you added already a new carbon cartridge

Your cycle goes through a process where nitrites will be convertet into nitrates

How long it takes, depends on many factors

To jump start a cycle, you can squeeze in filter media, add gravel from an established tank or also add some tankwater from an established tank

You will know when your tank is cycled when you have no more ammonia and nitrite readings, that means they're at "0" and you got some nitrate readings

here is a link for you to read through
http://fishlesscycling.com/articles.html


Hope that helps
Good luck


EB

Answer 5

You dont need a air pump or light at all. They are both for our viewing pleasure. Fish dont need light at all. Air is circulated in from the filter anyways. If you buy water treatment chemicles that remove chlorine you could put in fish in a couple days.

Answer 6

for a day or so then get a light and you will be fine (my fish died becauce i didnt have a light) so get a light! good luck

Answer 7

let it run for about 24 hours. and you do need a light right away