fish aquarium?

Question

i just sat up a 20 gallon fish aquarium. how long should i wait to get some fish to put in it.

Answer 1

You should begini to cycle your tank. Cycling a tank means to establish the bacteria so that it can beginn to work with your real fish. Here's a website on how to cycle a tank: http://www.firsttankguide.net/cycle.php

~ZTM

Answer 2

What's wrong with the people saying that you need to cycle it longer then 2 hours or 2 days
Here is a site that explains it in detail
http://www.firsttankguide.net/cycle.php

You have to get yourself an ammonia, nitrite and nitrate test kit to test your water constantly
You can start adding fish when you nitrite and ammonia levels are at '0', that's the time your tanks is cycled and you will see some nitrate readings

But remember not to buy to many fish, as well as that you have to float them in your tank before you put them in,

don't overfeed them, only what they will eat in a period of 3-5 min at each feeding twice a day

only leave your light on for 10-12 hours during the day and turn it off at night for 12-14 hours


Hope that helps
Good luck


EB

Answer 3

I would wait atleast 24 to 30 hours. That way the beneficial bacteria can build up. Then get one or two fish and add them. Then If you still want to add fish, add another 1 or 2 every week to a week and a half. But remember the fish keeping rule, 1 gallon per inch of fish. Make sure to run your filter and bubbler (pump) too! If you follow these instructions then you are on your way to becuming a happy fish owner. Happy fish keeping!!!

Answer 4

You need to cycle your water before you add any fish. If you don't cycle the water first, you will more than likely suffer a complete or major loss of fish. Cycling takes on the average of 4-6 weeks, but just remember, that if you are patient, you will be creating a very healthy environment for your fish. I much prefer a fishless cycle to that of using fish to cycle your tank, so here is a recipe for fishless cycling.

First, you need to purchase a master test kit that tests for ammonia (NH3), nitrites (NO2) and nitrates (NO3), all three. You will get more accurate readings with drops vs. strips. Then, using a plain, non-scented, non-sudsy, no additives pure ammonia (4-15%), add however many drops of ammonia necessary to achieve an initial reading of 5ppm of ammonia. Then add this same amount of drops each day until your nitrites spike. From this point, add ½ of the drops of ammonia that you had been previously adding until your nitrites reach 0ppm and your nitrates peak. Then do a 50% water change and stop adding any more ammonia. When your nitrates reach 0ppm, your tank is fully cycled. Fish can tolerate no ammonia (0ppm), but can tolerate a minute amount of nitrites (.25ppm) and about .5-1.0 ppm of nitrates in the worst water conditions. Good luck and have fun!

Answer 5

you will need to cycle the tank.

The worest thing an egar fishkeeper can do is set up a tank and rush out and buy tons of fish.


You should by two fishes after 48 hrs of setting up, and then allow them to cycle the tank. Their ammonia will seed the tank.

When your levels are settling down usually another 2 weeks, then you can stock the tank, but slowly. slow is the key for success.

Answer 6

Well as long as you treated the water you can add fish right away. But please add slowly..start out with just a couple and add a few here and there, say once every week so your aquarium has time for the water to balance out. I used to work in a fish store, had all kinds of tanks, fresh and saltwater. If you want a hassle free tank with healthy fish, invest in the water test kits..all of them, an keep up on water changes and cleaning. GL

Answer 7

Well it seems as thought everyone knew the answer so i am going to agree with them i actually waited about 6 hours after i cycled my tank.i add some medication like bacteria to reduce cycle time.it helped my fish are doing okay theres no sign of any problems

Answer 8

For that big of a tank you should wait at least 2 days. to bring the water to room temperature (unless with heater) and make sure everything is working well. Plus it gives you time to find the perfect fish with perfect items for them to match!! :) Good luck!

Answer 9

Atleast 24 hours, longer if you can. The tank needs to establish a nitrogen cycle and a population of beneficial bacteria. Make sure your filter is running during this time. Test the water until your levels are stable.