How long After...?

Question

I am setting up my aquarium and I was just wondering how long after its set up I should wait to get my fish?

Answer 1

How big is your tank? Anything 20gallons and under you want to let it run for 48 hours. An 20 to 55 gallons you want to let it run about a week. Anything bigger them that run it at least two weeks.

Completely set up your tank rocks, Filter, Plants and water conditioner. Also don't forget to have the heater on as well. A tropical tank you want between 70 and 75* and a Aggressive (Oscars that line) you want it around 80*.

When you go to the Pet Store bring a water sample from your tank. They will test it for you to make sure your water is ready for your fish.

Answer 2

In the first place,most municipalities don't use plain chlorine any more. The current practice is to use a stabilized form called chloramine,you must add dechlorinator,and not just any one but one that is formulated for chloramine ,there are several different products out there that work really well. After you have the water dechlorinated and the temperature stabilized,it's time to be concerned about the bacteria colonies that will keep the fish alive. These are ammonia converting bacteria and they take quite a while to become operable. This is because the bacteria are present almost everywhere,but they don't convert ammonia until they are attached to something solid,in a substantial group. The first group of bacteria that grows will be Nitrosomonas,they convert ammonia into nitrites, unfortunately this stuff is just as bad for fish as ammonia. Now with a tank full of nitrite a second bunch of bacteria start to grow.These are called Nitrobacter,also present almost everywhere. When both colonies of bacteria are humming along nicely it's time to add fish.This process is called cycling a tank. It actually takes about 5 weeks,it can be done with one or two fish in the tank,but it takes longer for everything to happen,and in the meantime the fish are living in a rotten environment.If you cycle with fish in the tank be very careful how much food you give them,or you can create an "ammonia spike" and that will begin a round of fish diseases that will require the addition of chemicals that harm the bacteria colonies,and begin a downward spiral that can discourage beginners. The humane way to cycle is called "fish-less cycling" where-in you add a tiny amount of plain ammonia to the tank to start the process,then monitor for nitrites,you shouldn't see any for about two weeks,(Nitrosomonas are working)then the nitrite figures should increase for a week or two,then begin to decrease. when nitrites hit zero begin adding fish,a few at a time then wait a couple of weeks to add a few more,this is to allow the bacteria to keep up with the increasing "bio-load". The result will be a healthy tank with none of the beginners diseases that come from ammonia toxicity. I hope you don't find this to be discouraging,and I wish you many hours of enjoying you fish. Good luck.--------PeeTee

Answer 3

Ask at the aquarium store. They sometimes help you by testing your water to make sure that it is right for your fish.

Answer 4

Once your good bacteria, PH, and ammonia levels are stable you should be safe to buy fish. Also if your planning on putting live plants in the tank you should wait until the plants have a good hold on the gravel or whatever your attaching them to.

Answer 5

If you used tap water wait a day so the chlorine disapates.They also make something that will get the chlorine out. Also don't put just any rocks you find in it. Some are toxic to fish.Buy them at the store.

Answer 6

ask the ppl.