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I need to cycle a 10 gallon, but I don't want to cycle it by using fish. I also don't want to fishless cycle because I tried that once and it didn't work too well. The thing is, the biofilter I put in the 10 gallon used to belong to a 3 gallon tank that was already cycled. Will that be enough to cycle the tank? Also, it had been left out of water for a few days (stupid, I know), will all the bacteria have died? If so, can I just put water and a little gravel from my 30 gallon established tank to cycle it immediately?

If you left the bio-wheel out of the water for a few days most likely the bacteria has died.

Also if you do place the bio-wheel from the other tank into the new tank you are going to have to buy fish in order to keep the ammonia coming to feed the beneficial bacteria that would already be on the bio-wheel.

I recommend adding some gravel from your other tank into the new one and just letting that run with the new filter for a few days and then buying some hardy fish to cycle with.

I have always done fish cycling but others may be able to recommend something better.

You can always try Bio-Spera, for a ten gallon it runs about 20 bucks. Though I hear their is no more at the moment, but I am not sure.

Good Luck
LV

It seems that not wanting to cycle the tank with AND without fish is a little contradictory but.... The only way I can think of is by using gravel, ornaments and filters from an existing tank (the bacteria on the one you have will have died) and then 'feeding' the tank with small amounts of fish food. This will create the effect of 'waste' and will provide food for the bacteria.

Stop at your friendly fish store, purchase the "New Improved Cycle" and fish can be added immediately, a few at a time.

Follow product directions.

--garyroland.