After QT cycles?

[7eleven]

Sorry if this is an ignorant question. Do I need to do anything to my empty QT tank after it is cycled? Does the bacteria maintain itself with no fish or inverts or rock in there? I have it setup with a filter, heater and some PVC pipe elbows, and a light.
thanks.

 

[eagle1]

Throw in a couple of damsels. The combination of those and any uneaten food will keep the bacteria around.

 

[elfdoctors]

Originally posted by Eagle1
Throw in a couple of damsels.
What are you planning on doing with the damsels if a fish gets sick? Some people keep a fish in their QT to keep it cycled. If you do, it should be a peaceful fish (I keep a clownfish in mine.) You should be aware that it may have to be treated for diseases that it might not have if medications are required later on.
An alternative approach to keep the bacteria high enough to handle the bioload of a fish would be to put a small amount of food in the tank (as if there was a fish living there). This way the bacteria will stay at high enough levels to able to handle a real fish if one gets put in the tank.
If you do not do this, bacterial populations will fall (but if the tank has been cycled before, will recover fairly quickly). When the tank is put into use, make sure that you add fish gradually.