How to Establish Bacteria in a Fish Tank

Establishing a healthy fish tank is not just a matter of filling a tank with water and adding fish. Helpful bacteria needs to be established so you can provide a healthy environment for your aquatic pets.

Instructions

    • 1

      Use water and gravel from an aquarium that has bacteria already established in it.

    • 2

      Reuse filter media from a tank in which bacteria has already been established. Squeeze sponges into your new filters, or pouring water from the external filters into the new filter. Add debris from the established tank to the new tank.

    • 3

      Incorporate media from an old tank into a new one. You can cut up old sponges and add them to the new media in the tank.

    • 4

      Get rid of the chlorine in the water when you add it to a new tank. Hardy fish, like tetras, guppies, and barbs, can help in this process.

    • 5

      Test the water yourself or have someone test the water for you. In this way, you can determine whether bacteria are being established in your new tank. Once bacteria is established, add some fish. Do not add too many too or you'll undo your efforts.

    • 6

      Continue testing the water for ammonia levels. You might have to partially change the water every other day until the good bacteria are firmly established. When the water you test reaches zero for nitrates and ammonia, bacteria is established in your tank. You may now add the fish.