Marineland Aquarium Bacteria and 5 fish cycling

[Gourami Swami]

If I use filter media from my established tank, do I have to put it in the canister filter or can I just throw it in the water

Would be much better to put in the filter, that's mostly where you want to grow your bacteria colony

 

[Gourami Swami]

If I use filter media from my established tank, do I have to put it in the canister filter or can I just throw it in the water

Would be much better to put in the filter, that's mostly where you want to grow your bacteria colony

 

[appak]

Thank you and should I just start water changes when the nitrates start to rise?
I added the startup amount this morning and put my established Pleco in along with a small diadema cichlid that was getting bullied. I wanted to try it out on them first. Because I’m getting a shipment in tomorrow of 2 Blue a caras and 2 EB jack Dempsey’s that I want to add straight to that tank so they don’t get bullied in my other. This is their tank anyways.
Was going to test water tonight as long as my two fish were still alive

I'd follow the instructions on the bottle. Some will say not to change any water until you've gone through a specific number of days, if I'm remembering correctly...

 

[Sarah J]

im testing my parameters, and ammonia and nitrates are at 0 while the nitrates are around 5. I'm adding the 4 small fish in today and will continue daily checks. I know the water could have diluted most of it, which isn't a bad thing correct? its a 125g and ill only have 5 small fish and a place in it. I heard more water was good and thats why you shouldn't overstock. like you have a better chance at keeping good water quality. I just still want the cycle to establish.

the other German and blue rams I received are going into my established tank for awhile since they are sensitive. I finally got the bullies out of that tank so all should be well. thanks guys. if I have any more questions ill post.

I'm thinking about adding a little more bacteria since ill be adding 4 more fish.

 

[Sarah J]

im testing my parameters, and ammonia and nitrates are at 0 while the nitrates are around 5. I'm adding the 4 small fish in today and will continue daily checks. I know the water could have diluted most of it, which isn't a bad thing correct? its a 125g and ill only have 5 small fish and a place in it. I heard more water was good and thats why you shouldn't overstock. like you have a better chance at keeping good water quality. I just still want the cycle to establish.

the other German and blue rams I received are going into my established tank for awhile since they are sensitive. I finally got the bullies out of that tank so all should be well. thanks guys. if I have any more questions ill post.

I'm thinking about adding a little more bacteria since ill be adding 4 more fish.

sorry I meant ammonia and nitrites are at 0