i just bought a old tank not being used for long time ago, do i need to cycle it?

Answer 1

If you're planning on using it for fish, or other aquatic animals, you should. Cycling refers to establishing a population of bacteria that will convert the wastes your animals produce (which are toxic to them) into substances that are less harmful. You can read more about the process in this link: http://www.fishlore.com/NitrogenCycle.htm

If you don't cycle the tank and add fish, snails, frogs, shrimp, or other organisnam sensitive to ammonia or nitrite, you'll be risking having them die from ammonia or nitrite poisoning: http://freshaquarium.about.com/cs/disease/p/ammoniapoison.htm , http://freshaquarium.about.com/cs/disease/p/nitritepoison.htm

Even if you cycle the tank with a few fish, be careful not to overfeed them (the extra food creates ammonia as it decomposes), or to add too many fish at one time.

Answer 2

You always need to cycle a tank be it new or old. Cycling the tank is not to get the aquarium itself used to being used, it's to get the filter used to being used, and to let the water adjust.



Wow that's really 'wordy'

Answer 3

Yes.

Even if the cycle has been done in that tank before, while it wasn't being used the bacteria starved off and died so you'll need to regrow them.

Answer 4

First you check it to see if it leaks by filling it with water and let it sit fo a day or two. If it does not leak bleach it and use a plastic scrub pad to clean it. Rinse thoroughly then add water and treat with start right .let sit for 24 hours before adding fish.

Answer 5

Yes, you still need to cycle it.

Answer 6

yes fish tanks can holf theyre bacteria for one day if you mist it every hour or two