I happen to be the lucky receiver of a 55 gallon tank + a myriad of accessories. Gravel, deco, about 6 pumps and filters, etc.
Now, I know that I have to clean this stuff before I use it, but my question is, how thoroughly?
The fish that previously lived in this domicile was a community of ciclids, all died of "natural" causes (they ate each other, the last one standing got overfed, ironic, huh?), so no fungus and disease. I know I have to let the tank cycle once it's set up, but I'm antsy and I don't really want to use fish knowing that many may perish, so can I cheat by not washing everything perfectly and letting the tank sit in previously established bacterial colonies?
I have a large under-gravel filter, a large sponge filter, and two large power over the back carbon filters if it makes a difference.
Now, I know that I have to clean this stuff before I use it, but my question is, how thoroughly?
The fish that previously lived in this domicile was a community of ciclids, all died of "natural" causes (they ate each other, the last one standing got overfed, ironic, huh?), so no fungus and disease. I know I have to let the tank cycle once it's set up, but I'm antsy and I don't really want to use fish knowing that many may perish, so can I cheat by not washing everything perfectly and letting the tank sit in previously established bacterial colonies?
I have a large under-gravel filter, a large sponge filter, and two large power over the back carbon filters if it makes a difference.
I wash tanks using warm water and vinegar and then rinse thoroughly.
If the filter media and gravel has dried there are no bacteria colonies left.
Cycling information- http://www.aquatic-hobbyist.com/profiles…
If the filter media and gravel has dried there are no bacteria colonies left.
Cycling information- http://www.aquatic-hobbyist.com/profiles…
The bacteria colonies will die if they don't have any ammonia to feed off of, so if you've let them sit for a while they're probably already dead.
When cleaning an old aquarium, use a new, chemical free sponge, and a small bit a vinegar for calcium deposits if needed. It's best not to use soap. Rinse several times, and thoroughly.
You can do a fishless cycle by adding fish food every day and letting it decompose, or adding a (rinsed) shrimp or prawn from the seafood section of the grocer and letting that decompose.
You can probably do without the undergravel filter and sponge filter, unless the power filters are rated for less than 20-30 gallons each. They'll minimize your options for decor and tank inhabitants.
A few great resources for beginning aquarists are: a great book in the simple guide series, The Simple Guide to Freshwater Aquariums (David E. Boruchowitz), and the aquahobby.com forums, which are filled to the brim with experienced, knowledgable fishkeepers.
When cleaning an old aquarium, use a new, chemical free sponge, and a small bit a vinegar for calcium deposits if needed. It's best not to use soap. Rinse several times, and thoroughly.
You can do a fishless cycle by adding fish food every day and letting it decompose, or adding a (rinsed) shrimp or prawn from the seafood section of the grocer and letting that decompose.
You can probably do without the undergravel filter and sponge filter, unless the power filters are rated for less than 20-30 gallons each. They'll minimize your options for decor and tank inhabitants.
A few great resources for beginning aquarists are: a great book in the simple guide series, The Simple Guide to Freshwater Aquariums (David E. Boruchowitz), and the aquahobby.com forums, which are filled to the brim with experienced, knowledgable fishkeepers.
http://www.aquahobby.com/board/viewforum.php?f=16