fishless cycle question

[brady]

I am planning getting back into discus around the end of Feb.
I would like to start the cycle now and continue until the last week in Jan. I.m going to be away
for 3-1/2 weeks ,last week of Jan., first 2 weeks in Feb.
Question, will the bacteria survive for 3-1/2 wks. without being fed?
If not, is there something I can do?
Thanks
Jay

[GivensOU]

I use this all the time, never had a problem.
https://www.amazon.com/Fluval-Biological-Enhancer-Aquariums-16-9-Ounce/dp/B00G25IAN6/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1482445523&sr=8-3&keywords=biological+aquarium+supplement

[brady]

So your saying that when I get home I could put this into the tank and I'm good to go?
Or, should I wait to get the fish, put them in and then add it to the tank a day or two later?
Also, has anybody else tried this?
Thanks
Jay

[GivensOU]

I usually do three days worth of dosing before adding fish. I have done this several times when I order new discus. My QT tank is usually empty. I currently have 6 adult discus from Uncle Sam's in there and I'm not having any problems.

[bluelagoon]

You can always throw a piece of raw fish in the tank before you leave.Not sure if it would last 3.5 weeks tho.When you get home measure for ammonia,nitrites and nitrates then do an xlarge WC.

[DJW]

Its probably not worth the trouble, but you could try getting an auto feeder to dispense ammonium chloride powder once a day. You would want to have a full cycle before you left though, so that the feeding is just maintenance, about 1 ppm/day. Before you leave add baking soda until the dKH is 12 or more, otherwise the pH will crash while you are gone. I don't know if you can get a feeder to spit out the right amount. It would be 1/6 teaspoon per day for a 75g tank.

https://www.sciencecompany.com/Ammonium-Chloride-500g-P6378.aspx