I have had my fish tank running for 24 hours... When can i put in starter fish and what kind?

Question

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Answer 1

Your tank is NOT cycled yet. You can either do what is called a fishless cycle (here's an article on it: http://www.practicalfishkeeping.co.uk/pfk/pages/show_article.php?article_id=113)

or you can cycle the tank with fish. To do so you would start off with only 1-2 fish that are hardy and able to deal wih some ammonia in the tank. Mollys and goldfish are both known for this. Then monitor the tank very closely and change lots of water for a few weeks until the ammonia level rises and drops to 0 again followed by the nitrites doing the same, just as you would monitor a fishless cycle.

MM

Answer 2

I'm not certain where this deadline of 24 hours got started as the timeframe for cycling. Cycling with fish can take 4-6 weeks. Doing a fishless cycle, which I very strongly advocate as there is no suicide fish involved, still takes anywhere from 10 days to 3 weeks depending on all the factors and your dedication to the process. You will need a master test kit that tests the ammonia, nitrites and nitrates to know when your cycling is done. Be patient and let your tank get fully cycled so that you can be certain you will have happy, healthy fish.

Answer 3

I'd use something like Hagen Cycle or Stress Zyme in to shorten the cycling period. Some recommend a refrigerated product from Marineland called Bio-Spira for even faster cycling.
I have used White Cloud Mountain Minnows to cycle a tank for years. Some people will say it is cruel to use fish to cycle a tank. I've done it many times and almost never lose a fish, as they are tough. I'd suggest one per 5 gallons, but you need to have at least a trio.

Answer 4

If you have treated the water for chlorine and other chemicals from tap water I think you can add fish now. Just make sure your temperature is where it should be. Put your fish in the tank in baggies for 15 minutes, just so you don't shock them. Then just release them and they should be fine. I wouldn't feed them for an hour or so though. They need to adjust. The best fish to start out with are guppies, like neons. However a good breed of fish for a starter tank would be cichlids because they are easy to care for and fun to watch grow. Just start with two and build on that. Don't overcrowd the tank with a lot of them.

Answer 5

First make sure you use Nova Aqua, are a similar dechlor water conditioner. A starter solution for beneficial bacteria is also good.additive.As for your starter fish Goldfish are always a good starter fish they are inexpensive hearty and easy to care for. Make sure the fish you choose are healthy, copper safe is also a good additive to protect from common parasites. Many other fish can go into your fresh tank also, but may require more care. Be very careful not to overfeed as this will foul a tank fast. There are many good books at most pet shops on fish care.

Answer 6

First off you can run your fish tank for years if you dont have any fish in there (sacrificial fish) to begin the tank cycle by adding amonia from their poopy. If you have 6 goldfish in there(preferable feeder goldfish which are cheap and "toughies") your tank should be cycled enough for small fish within 4 days, on the other hand if you want to throw some giant cichlids in there wait about 2 weeks untill theres enough bacteria to support them especialy since they are going to eat the feeders once you dump um in there.

Answer 7

for starts fill the tank up and additionally you're able to have chlorine neutraliser you need to purchase it from any community fish save.. that's needed.. examine the decrease back of the bottle for a fashion lots neutraliser you're able to put in.. the any variety of fish is powerful all fish are common to shield, in case you like a freshwater tank. salt water is distinctive i don't understand lots approximately that yet they're selection not common to shield...with the sparkling water tank you're able to have a heater. that's going to be set on 22 to 20-5 degrease.. as quickly as the water is the suited suited temperature and additionally you have positioned the chlorine neutraliser in you could then positioned the fish in.. you're able to feed the two times an afternoon as quickly as in the morning and as quickly as at evening... i recommend you purchase much less high priced fish as you starter then as you study them you're able to circulate on the the deer fish.. i'm hoping I certainly have helped you......... josh

Answer 8

Hi, have you added anything to declorineate the water? If you did, the best fish to start with to begin the nitrogen cycle I've been told are danio's. They can take the toxins that occur during the cycling process.

Answer 9

5 zebra danios to get the cycle started. They are cheap and can be eaten by whatever you decide to raise once the tank is cycled.

Answer 10

It is ready now. We have a fish tank and we have some bloody parrots in them they are really nice fish