Introducing fish into tank.

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
Yesterday after filling the tank with water, i added the conditioner i mentioned earlier in this thread. I just bought a bottle of API(Aquarium Pharmaceuticals), Stress Zyme+. It's a biological filtration booster that contains live bacteria. Is it okay if i went home and added in the required amounts later today? Are the steps i'm taking correct?
 
eatingleg4peanut;4582103; said:
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).
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And what do you mean by overstocked it straightaway? You added dither fishes immediately?
 
The stress zyme should do the trick, make sure you add some form of food for the bacteria ( fish waste, flake food, prawn, ect) you mentioned you had a fish..if so leave him in the tank.. but I would suggest doing 25% water changes every 3 days or less to keep the water quality from spiking to bad.. the UP side is your fish will be healthy and happy, the downside is it will take longer to cycle the tank. MIN tank cycle is 2 weeks. It can be cycled sooner technically.. but imo if its not consistant for a few days.. it's not cycled. the water changes will bump it to about 4 weeks before i'de consider adding more stock.

IF you don't have a fish in the tank I suggest flake food or pellets.. I personally do not add raw seafood and let it rot in my house. Just a tiny pinch of flakes every day or 2. If it starts smelling you're adding to much. Don't do a water change until 5 days have passed. check the water perameters.. do a 25% Water change. And check the water on day 7. If done right the tank should be reading 0 Ammonia and 0 nitrite Nitrate will depend on how well the colony is doing. At this point in the cycle.. a High Nitrate count is ideal ( means more bacteria). Any ammonia or nitrite reading and wait 5 more days and check again. To many water changes during the cycling process will slow it down. to few can hinder it. Ideally you want your Nitrates below 20ppm if your tank reads higher increase your water change routine.
 
I just added the living bacteria in about 20 minutes ago. I don't have any fish inside anymore, just black substrate and 2 pieces of wood. Is it advisable to add dither fish in? If so, what type of fish should i add and how soon?
 
Don't add any fish until the cycle is complete. The advice about 'feeding' the tank with a bit of fish food is good. Test the water every day. Did you pick up a liquid test kit yet? (NH3, NO2, NO4, pH)
Don't introduce fish until NH3 and NO2 are zero.
The bacteria in a bottle you added will help jump-start the cycle and speed it up, just keep feeding the bacteria and checking the water. Once the cycle is complete, do water changes to keep NO4 down and add the fish. You could get a little spike when you add the fish, so keep testing and water changing.
 
Could i just throw in some freeze dried bloodworms i use to feed my bettas? They float on the top though, would that be okay to produce ammonia?
 
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