When can I add a fish to my 55 gallon aquarium?

Question

I put in the right amount of stress coat and it says it should instantly neutralize the harmful chemicals in tap water. after how long should i be able to put in a fish?
i have the heater running right and the filter so do i need to wait the usual 5 days for it to become safe?

Answer 1

usually the wait is 24 hours.

Answer 2

If you are using chlorinated water (city water) and you use the proper dechlor then you can add your fish as soon as the temperature stabilizes.

In general I like to let the tank run at least 24 hours to off gas anything in the tank and for the temperature to stabilize.

Then you can add 1 or 2 hardy fish to start your nitrogen cycle.

If you can add gravel from an established tank this will help shorten your cycling period.


For those that said you have to wait until the tank cycles before adding fish this is not true. You have to wait until it cycles before fully stocking the tank. However the tank will never cycle unless there is an ammonia source. So unless you are doing a fishless cycle the tank will never cycle unless you add some fish to it.

Answer 3

Part of establishing a new aquarium for the first time is to let the ecosystem in the tank get a start, which means giving it time to let the good bacteria start growing. That's why they usually recommend letting a new tank run for up to two weeks before you put fish in it. If it's been running for several days, test the water and temperature and make sure it's in the 'safe' zone for the kind of fish you want, then go buy a couple of little fish. I just get some cheap danios from Walmart and put those in first. If they're still alive and thriving after a week, then you can start adding some bigger fish.

Answer 4

You need to cycle your tank before you can add fish, unless you want to buy new fish every week for the first month or so. Cycling usually takes 4-6 weeks. If you buy bio spira you could add fish right now and the tank would not have any problems.

Answer 5

You should probably wait 1 week then only add 1 or 2 fish every week.

Answer 6

huh?

Once you take the chlorine out, and they have instant chlorine removers, you can the fish!

II just started a new tank 3 weeks ago- filled it the night before, using a bio-wheel, and heater, and a chlorine remover, and your set! just put the fish in the bag about 15 Min's before you let them go.
the tank will cycle in about 2 to 3 weeks.
do 15% water changes weekly.

good luck!
http://www.geocities.com/asianangeldee/

Answer 7

with a new tank it takes time for things to get started,like allowing good bacteria to establish,don't rush things if you want healthy fish.good luck :)