Do I have to cycle my tank?

[LarissaLurid]

I have a 20 gallon tank that's been used for guppies a long time. I'm planning to take the guppies out and put them in another tank then using it for axolotl.

I'm going to remove the gravel and replace it with sand. I recently did almost a full water change, but should I do a total water change before getting the axolotl? I've had large plants growing in there a long time as well.

So will I need to cycle the tank after or will it be fine?

 

[Kaysie]

If you don't clean the surfaces in the tank, it's probably already cycled. Just take the guppies out and put the axie in.

Change the sand first with the guppies in, as a lot of your beneficial bacteria live in the substrate. This will give them time to reestablish before you put the axie in.

 

[LarissaLurid]

If you don't clean the surfaces in the tank, it's probably already cycled. Just take the guppies out and put the axie in.

Change the sand first with the guppies in, as a lot of your beneficial bacteria live in the substrate. This will give them time to reestablish before you put the axie in.

Great, that's what I was planning, thank you. :]