Is my QT tank still a QT tank?

[shafiq_hossain]

I had a quarantine tank with fishes before but has been empty for about 2 months. I have kept the biowheel running though since then. Is it still a quarantine (cycled) tank? Is it safe to put new fishes in there for quarantine?

Thanks....

 

[rdnelson]

If the biowheel has been running in an empty tank there has not been an ammonia source to keep the bacteria alive. I don't know how long it would live without an ammonia source.

You can double check it by checking Nitrate and then putting a drop or two of pure amonia in the tank. Wait 24 hours and do a water test. If you see no ammonia or nitrite but you do see nitrate has gone up it is probably fine.

 

[dakota9]

The biofilter is still alive, as bacteria die, they feed new bacteria, and unless the fish that was in there were diseased, you're good to go.

Don't overstock it, as it is likely a weak biofilter.

 

[shafiq_hossain]

Is there any way I can purchase additional quantities of the good bacteria just to be in the safe side? I'm referring to the bacteria which would have been created during the cycling process anyways.