I am planning my first tank setup. What all do I need to do before I put the fish in. And how long do I wait to put in the fish. (I have a 5 gallon start up tank) thanks
first fish tank setup
- Thread starter bethie_dawn
- Start date
CYCLE the water. Put in some type of conditioner (AquaSafe for me) and let everything run for a couple days. Then put in some cheap feeder fish and let beneficial bacteria build for about a week. If everything seems fine go ahead and switch feeders w/ whatever fish you like. For a 5 gallon you really don't have much choices tho....GOOD LUCK!!!
That sounds about right... and then in about a month.. you will want to get a MUCH bigger tank because you will be addicted...
i agree! just make sure it's cycle already. give it at least 3-4 weeks. feed the feeders and change water 25% twice a week or once a week.
There are two ways to do it, fishless and with fish. With fish is easier but fishless would be more humain, it's up to you. If you are doing it with fish then set up the tank, get some cheap fish and add them. Buy tests kits for ammonia, nitrite and nitrate. Test the water for these things frequently, every couple days or so. The ammonia will climb then fall, then the nitrite will also climb and fall and then you will get nitrate. Once you are getting a zero reading for BOTH the ammonia and nitrite (not nitrate) then you can add you fish that you want. This can take awhile, up to a month even. If you do it without fish you have to add a source of ammonia to start the cycle. You can use pure ammonia, a cocktail shrimp, fish flakes or even urine if you wanted to.
but shouldnt take too awful long in a 5 gallon....
I agree with all of them. just invest in a good filtration system. You'll be happy with the low maintenance and your fish will last longer.
Typically Goldfish, Rosy Reds, or Guppies that are used to feed larger fish.....Oh and if you're starting a new tank, if you can afford even to go to a 10 Gallon I would go that route before a 5 Gallon. It gives you more options and is easier to maintain....