Cycling a tank with minnows- Did I over do it?

[solomon415]

I have a 55 gallon tank that I decided I would cycle using simple minnows (toughys). Eventually, the tank wil have cichlids. So I went and bought 40 from Petco and threw em' in. They're happy as can be right now. I have two AC70's on the tank. The water is cold, around 50 degrees as they're cold water fish. My idea is that I will keep em in the there for about a month to cycle the tank.

Did I over-do it? Should I have bought less? Let me know what you think?

 

[proaquatics]

the more the faster it cycles

 

[Hot Slime]

Yep, it'll be fully cycled in no time. :]

 

[TheFishJunky]

most will die anyway

 

[tcarswell]

I read that cycling with toughies may introduce diseases. But should cycle quickly

 

[jdmkid]

i believe the bacteria grows better in warmer temps like 80+ so maybe see what the highest you can go with the minnows and have it there?

 

[tcarswell]

i believe the bacteria grows better in warmer temps like 80+ so maybe see what the highest you can go with the minnows and have it there?

I forgot to mention that. Also as much air as possible in the water helps

 

[heavyhitter]

Yea, the temp little too cold. Plusare these are just like bait shop minnows? They can be introducing disease that you may not want.
What kind of cichlids? A 40 is too small for most.

 

[solomon415]

Cool. I'll gradually raise the temperature on em'. They're basically feeder fish that I bought at Petco.

 

[BadFishPa]

and the cichlids will love them when there in the tank finally