just got a fish tank and want 2 know how long i have to keep it running(heating,filter) before i put fish in.?

Answer 1

All mature fish tanks carry beneficial bacteria that converts fish waste (ammonia) into nitrites and then into nitrates. You have do to weekly water changes to keep the nitrates from becoming a problem (even though they are less harmful the the nitrites and ammonia). Until this cycle develops in your tank, you will have to be careful with the amount of a bio-load (fish) that you put in. Wait 48 hours after you put the water in the tank for the chlorine to evaporate then you can add your first fish. Choose one that is small and hardy to help start the cycle in your tank, then wait three or four days before you add the next one. Take a fresh water sample from your tank to the pet store before you buy your next fish for testing. They will tell you if the water is still good or not. If the water is still good then buy the next fish, if it is still spiking, do another water change and wait three days. You can safely add a fish every three or four days as long as the water is still within normal levels. Never change more then 25% of the water and make sure the water you add is at the same temperature as the tank or you will stress the fish and the bacteria.
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Answer 2

I usually wait at least a fortnight though you can buy products at your local aquarium shop it would be worth getting to know them anyway if you are really serious about your hobby. Dont buy too many at once though you can add them gradually till its a fishes size in cms for every litre your tank holds. Some people suggest neons but they aren't as hardy as some of the less colourful ones. I always start my tanks with others first. DONT buy a plec unless it's one of the dwarfs or a bristlenose. My local shop has two that are at least 2 ft long !! There is also a fish called Siamese Flying Fox which in my experience is the best algae eater around. Try one of the web sites dedicated to fishkeeping and you'll find as much help as you need.

Answer 3

If you buy some starter bacteria culture from your local aqua store you canintroduce the fish in around a weeks time,but just start with a couple and then ad a couple more after two weeks or so,dont overpopulate the tank,its best to go by an inch of fish per gallon of water.

Answer 4

Make sure you have cleaned the gravel and the water has settled, introduce any natural plants first. All in all I'd say 2 - 4 days make sure the smell of chlorine has gone if you live in a hard water area and start with hardy species like neon tetras. don't run before you can walk, really exotic species look cool but they can end up eating each other. Basically get yourself a good supplier, who know's their stuff and stick with them. Oh and you'll get a growth of algae after a couple of weeks, buy a plecostomous, they're a little pricey but the one I have keeps the tank clean and has done for the last 5 years.

Answer 5

hiya the fish you buy are in a bag(usually) and its normal to set the bag are bags into the tank while the fish adopt to the water tempurer. Then you let the all into the tank all at the same time. No harm will come to your fish,its the proper way to do it. Best of luck with it.

Answer 6

just leave it a few hours. when you buy the fish keep them in the bag and put the whole bag in the water for maybe half an hour they get used to their surroundings (and other fish that may be in the tank) and lets the water temp equal out a bit so it's not such a shock to the fish.

Answer 7

the temperature of the tank should be the same temperature as the vessel they are in now. You can then alter the temperature gradually to the correct temp, either for tropical fish or ordinary fish. Good Luck.

Answer 8

well there are many ways in which this id done but to be on the safe side i waited 5 week for the tank to muture but there are other options to make the filter get its bacteria like adding one or two hardy fish to build it up with the right bacteria ammonia etc

Answer 9

If it is a freshwater tank you can add fish immediately, but you should let a saltwater tank cycle for about a week before intoducing fish to it. I'm getting a new reef tank started right now and I can't wait to start adding fish and corals to it.

Answer 10

most people say, 24-48 hours to cycle before your first fish. I would buy starter fish after that like neon tetras, they are hardy and docile. Wait a few weeks after your starter fish to buy more expensive fish. Make sure whatever you buy is docile enough to go in with the neon tetras, unless you don't mind your neons becoming a target or a meal.

Good Luck and Take Care