Seasoned Aquarium with No Fish

[DavidR]

Hi All

I have an aquarium that has been seasoned for around 6 months. It had fish in it, but I moved the fish about 4 weeks ago. So lots of plants and several snails are all that has been in the aquarium since.

I have kept the matten filter running the entire time.

I'd like to add fish back to this tank. Will it remain cycled or will I need to start that process over? I'm assuming it will be fine, but just wanted to double check.

[Mitch_ScruffyCityAquatics]

If you have been feeding the snails I don’t see why it wouldn’t remain cycled. 

[Sleepy]

It should still be cycled you may not want to add all the fish back at once though and/or be very light on the feeding. I would also make sure to test parameters in the beginning.

Edited October 14, 2020 by Sleepy

[T.H. Fishkeeping]

what fish are you thinking and what is your tanks size

[DavidR]

15 gallon and Rhadinocentrus ornatus. There will be 5 of them, hoping to breed them in this tank.

[Bill]

I had the exact same question because I had left my quarantine tank setup for 3-4 weeks anticipating adding new fish. I found a reference on the aquariumscience.org site that referenced a couple of scientific papers claiming the bacteria can be starved for "weeks, months, to almost a year" and quickly regain the capacity ... as long as they have water circulation, oxygen, etc.  With 4 weeks, you're most likely good, but as suggested above maybe go back to the previous level over a few weeks.

[DavidR]

Thanks for the insight Bill.