Introducing fish into tank.

[Cheesetian]

What do i have to do? I've read here and there that i'll need to cycle the tank, but for how long? And other stuff such as getting the pH level to an acceptable level and some nitrate stuff. How do i go about doing all these? After all that is done, how do i introduce the fish into the tank? Do i leave the bag with the fish in it, just after i've bought it from the store and let the fish get used to the temperature of the tank water? Is there a foolproof plan so the fish doesn't die once i've released it into the tank?

Any extra input would be much appreciated.
Thanks!

 

[NCStateFisher]

fill the tank, treat it, let it run for a couple days, get some small dither fish or something to produce ammonia, feed and keep em alive to the best of your ability for a couple weeks, do regular water changes 5-10% every other day i'd say and after that i think you'd be okay to stock. some may say this isnt long enough or come along with better ideas but i've had success with it

 

[Cheesetian]

What are the treatments i'll have to do to the water? Could you be a bit more specific cos' i'm new. Thanks man c:

EDIT: And by the way, while all my other fishes died, my 5" Channa Striata which was always inside at the same time never seems to die. Is that one fish enough to make up for a few small fishes to create ammonia?

 

[B.Ho]

What are the treatments i'll have to do to the water? Could you be a bit more specific cos' i'm new. Thanks man c:

EDIT: And by the way, while all my other fishes died, my 5" Channa Striata which was always inside at the same time never seems to die. Is that one fish enough to make up for a few small fishes to create ammonia?

Go to your local fish store and ask for water conditioner. Amquel and Prime are really good brands. Add some of that after you fill your tank and let it run for a week or so and do what NCStateFisher said.

 

[Cheesetian]

Shall go get some of that later. I'm thinking about keeping a single gar, any other treatment I might need? Thanks man.

 

[Cheesetian]

Oh and I have black sand as substrate. When I add the water conditioner, do I need to stir the sand around to make sure all of the water is in contact with the conditioner.

 

[Keasarge]

What filtration are you running? I over filter so I let my water cycle for a month before I add fish I had ten goldfish (adding during the cycling stage) just to create good bacteria and get my water right, depending on what fish you. Want depends upon your water qualities When you have chosen a specific fish you can find preferred ph, water hardness ect I never stored my sand up but cause of the goldfish I vacuumed mine with a gravel filter to pick up the poop nth

 

[Poklei]

i just setup my 200 gallon and threw in fish the first day, i just added dechlorinator, fish been doing fine so far. running a 30 gallon sump

 

[Cheesetian]

I bought some sort of water conditioner called "Pet Fran: New Water Shield".

Says on the box that it neutralizes chlorine, chloramine and toxic heavy metals, buffers pH and reduces stress in fish. Also contains aloe vera, vitamins E and B. It also forms a natural coating of nitrifying bacteria to protect delicate mucous membranes and gills.

Any comments?

 

[eatingleg4peanut]

Use the bacteria in a bottle, some people on here say it doesnt work, but I've had good results. Just make sure you check the date on the bottle, and dechlorinate you water at least an hour before you put it in the tank, I also use double the amount it says to. I also pour it directly over the running filter. I did this on a 55, overstocked it straight away, had a mini bloom the next day, water cleared in 2 days, been perfect ever since (about 5 months ago).