xsile

Just a quickie question, If i loose power to a tank and the pump stops and the water goes cold. Would their still be bactiria living in the water ?




I lost power to a Fishless Cycling tank for a few days while on holiday and have now restored the power. I didnt change the water or anything just restored the power.


Would the tank be fine to add fish in a few days ? It had pretty much finished its cycling b4 i went away for the weekend.

capekate

Hello and welcome to fishlore...(I hadnt had the chance to welcome you yet.)
If your filter had stopped also due to the power outtage and the filter media was dry, then you would loose most of any beneficial bacteria that was in the filter. How long has the tank been cycling? Do you have any test kits to check the ammonia, nitrite and nitrate levels? That will determine when the cycle is completed and when you can add fish.

xsile

that was a quick reply.

The tank had been on for 3 weeks prior to power loss.

Umm i have a undergravel filter system so it didnt dry up, however i only have a tester for pH at home so ill take a sample tomorow to the fish store.

Reg141

Hi xsile,reg141 here fm Nelson NZ.hows the weather in my second fav city?

seedy

Hi and welcome xsile
I'm from Melbourne too.
Reg141 , as for the weather here , today we only had 1 season ...lol

capekate

well that was a good thing for you, to have that underground filter.
The cold water wont kill off any good bacteria, so you should be still ok with the cycle progressing. You should have zero readings of ammonia or nitrites and nitrates should be below 20 before adding fish. Thats why its a good idea to have a home tester kit. I hope you have a reliable fish store to take the water sample to, as they are really only interested in selling fish and will say that a small amount of ammonia or nitrites are ok, which we know are not ok.
good luck with your cycling.. and hope you get a good reading. Also I would ask for the numbers, and not just get an ok from them. Then you will know for sure if you should start introducing fish to your tank.

seedy

Hi again
The API Freshwater Master test kit recomended by many here IS available in Melbourne , even some of the chain pet stores have it. If you get one and do it yourself you will know if everything is ok. It saves trips to the shops and impulse buying.

COBettaCouple

The bacteria may have lost a little ground but I think most would have survived that.

xsile

Thank you all very much for your help.

I will get that water tester kit i have looked at it before.


Is for the bacteria not being killed i shoud be on track to add fish in 3 days or so.



Might put in a BN just to start it off.

Thanks.