I just set up a 55 gallon tank for African cichlids. I had it running for about 2 weeks before I added two bumble bee cichlids. I know your supposed to add fish gradually. So I put the two bumble bee's in there yesterday night, how long before I can add more fish. The next fish going in are 3 yellow labs, and then later I think some kenyi cichlids. But anyway how much time should I wait until I can add the 3 yellow labs.
2006-09-10 03:00:53 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Fish
Three of four days. Take a fresh sample of your water with you to the pet store and have them test it. If there are no problems, you are safe to add another trio of fish.
A
2006-09-13 03:15:07 · answer #1 · answered by iceni 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
One week should suffice.
When stocking african cichlids, it's highly recommended that you stock the most aggressive species last (I would have added the yellow labs first). Many aggressive african cichlids will regard all new comers as intruders requiring elimination.
Always add new african cichlids in groups of 4 or more (to reduce the aggression directed at them)...though adding them in 3's should work.
Be aware that kenyi are one of the most aggressive african cichlids species around.
2006-09-10 12:09:46 · answer #2 · answered by Kay B 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
The whole period of time prior to putting fish into your tank is so that you can get the Nitrogen Cycle to complete. If you have not cycled your tank you run the risk of them becoming poisoned from Ammonia (which they create naturally with their fecal matter and urea).
I would recommend you do a fishless cycle before you put any fish in this tank. If you already have fish in there - see if you can return them to the LFS you got them from, and explain that you are running your cycle first, and will purchase them later.
Here is an article on fishless cycling...
http://www.tropicalfishcentre.co.uk/Fishlesscycle.htm
Best of luck to you!
2006-09-10 16:15:24 · answer #3 · answered by sly2kusa 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'd check your ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels before adding more fish. If you just set up the tank, I doubt it's cycled yet. You may just end up killing some/all of the fish. When your ammonia and nitrite levels are 0, and it shows some nitrates, it's cycled. Then start slowly adding fish.
2006-09-10 12:16:25 · answer #4 · answered by tikitiki 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
5 to 7 days will do.
2006-09-10 10:38:34 · answer #5 · answered by Kalai 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I was personally wrong to have "tanked fish up" I was abusing them, how would I like it if someone abused me in that way? I hope for PLANT knowledge concerning under water aquariums to be spread so that people can find a more ethical road way..... THE TALK OF THE TOWN
2006-09-10 10:07:52 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 4⤋
a week!
2006-09-10 10:02:28 · answer #7 · answered by Jo H 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋