how long should i have my tank set up before i put in 2 orcellias clownfish in a 29 gallon tank?

Question

30 gallon tank or 29 gallon tank

Answer 1

This will depend on whether or not you plan to use live rock in your setup. When you start a new tank, there are no bacteria to convert the waste your fish produces (epsecially ammonia, which is toxic) to the less toxic nitrate. The process of establishing the bacteria is called cycling. If you add live rock, the time it takes for the cycle to complete is less than not using it, because there are bacteria already living on the rock so having a larger nuber in the beginning means less overall time waiting for them to reproduce. This method can take as little as 2-3 weeks, depending on the condition of the live rock.

If you don't use live rock, you can do a "fishless" cycle using pure ammonia, piece of shrimp or fish, or a pinch of fish food to supply the ammonia needed, or simply add the fish. If you just add the fish, you will need to monitor the ammonia and nitrite levels to know when water changes are needed so the fish don't get ammonia or nitrite poisoning. If you use fishless cycling, you don't need to worry about doing water changes until after all the ammonia and nitrite are being converted to nitrate. These methods can take up to 6 weeks.

This link will explain more about the cycling process: http://www.fishlore.com/NitrogenCycle.htm

Answer 2

As with any fish tank you will have to cycle a newly set up tank. This way, you have a lively culture of beneficial bacteria that will break down harmful wastes produced by your new fish to less harmful components that need only be physically disposed of. I'm not sure about saltwater tanks but for freshwater tanks you will need to get a few hardy fish to *dirty* up the water so that a culture of beneficial bacteria can start growing in your filter media and decorations. It usually takes about 6-8 weeks. You can test this with water testing kits sold at any pet store. If you already have an established (cycled) tank, then all you would need to do is make sure all of your water parameters are good...0 ammonia, 0 nitrites, 0 nitrates, proper pH and harness and temperature. I think for saltwater tanks you need something like potassium and some other stuff too...not quite sure. From what I understand, keeping a freshwater tank is similiar to keep a saltwater tank but freshwater has less water chemistry components to keep track of. Just make sure all your water paramemters are good and you should be able to add 2 clownfish

Hope that helps!