aqarium and 7 new fish, now all fish are compatible but here's my issue how do I acclimatize 2 seperate tanks of fish into one new (3rd) tank. so far I set up the new tank/filter fallowed all directions on the chemicals/conditioners and added in some of the really dirty water and have left the filter on a few hours to mix and ready the new tank and Ive put some of that combined water in with the cleaner newer fish. Now what do I do and how long should I wait to mix em all up in the new tank? Im worried about harming them, what are the risks involved?
2007-10-13 09:47:20 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Fish
I would make sure that the new tank is cycled. You can tell this by measuring your ammonia. If this is 0 then you should be good to go. I would then start adding fish. Add them 2 or 3 at a time as not to stress them out and build up ammonia. I would start by adding the least aggressive fish first and then the more aggressive ones. This will allow the least aggressive ones to get a territory established with out the aggressive fish there.
2007-10-17 09:44:07 · answer #1 · answered by Douglas R 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The biggest risk is introducing all the fish into an uncycled tank. Lucky for you, it's really easy to avoid.
Cycling a tank when you already have cycled tanks is a pointless exercise. Take the filter media out of the filters of the old tanks and place as much of it as you can into the new filter (or simply put the old filters onto the new tank for a couple of weeks to allow the new filter to catch up and then remove the old ones one at a time - if you're going to use your old filters permanently, perfect). This will transfer healthy bacteria to the new tank directly so you continue with a fully cycled tank and can simply transfer all the fish over in one shot, as long as the temperatures match. You've already mixed up the old and new water, so there's no reason to wait any longer. This method creates a 99% chance of a smooth, effortless transition. Test the ammonia and nitrite anyway, just in case.
FYI algae is actually very healthy for a fish tank - the only problem with it is that the owners usually don't like the way it looks.
2007-10-13 09:58:48 · answer #2 · answered by Ghapy 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do you have a water test kit?If you don't you might want to get one.API master test kit is a good one.You need an ammonia source to get the nitrogen cycle started.A piece of raw shrimp or raw fish works good for that.You will notice the ammonia and nitrites rising then nitrates will appear too.When the ammonia and nitrites are back to 0,the cycle is complete. Using the dirty water was a good start,but using the old filters,and putting a cup of gravel from your other tank,in some panty hose and then into your new tank will speed up the nitrogen cycle better than just the water.
Google nitrogen cycle for aquariums for more info.
2007-10-13 10:04:30 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The pet store salesman told me that a new tank is ready to use in 2 days. The water may become cloudy and then clear up. I would change the water completely and wait 2 more days before I introduce any fish.
2007-10-13 10:01:50 · answer #4 · answered by OKIM IM 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I agree with confused. I've had fish for over 6 years. I'm really smart about animals I study animals to become a veternarian.
2007-10-13 10:54:48 · answer #5 · answered by LYNN 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋