Urgent tank cycling question

[Oscarum monstruoso]

I think I might have taken cycling my tank too lightly. I have a 54 gallon that I filled up from the tap this afternoon. I added a capful of Prime, then I put on a well seasoned powerfilter with a biowheel. I added new gravel and a powerhead with a sponge filter, and I have a fish ready to go. I just assumed Id be good to go, but I started having doubts. I dont have a test kit handy either. I can keep my new fish in the bucket overnight no problem then I can test the water tomorrow, I have an airstone and a heater in there.

I have a tester fish that has been doing fine in the tank for a few hours, but Im skittish about putting my new flowerhorn in there. What do other aquarists have to say on the matter?

 

[Juxtaroberto]

If you don't put any fish in the tank, the bacteria in the filter will die.

Was this filter with the flowerhorn? If so, then it is equipped to handle its bioload. I would put the fish in, and perform 20% water changes tomorrow morning, tomorrow night, and maybe day after tomorrow morning again.

 

[johno27]

I would say it is better off in a tank than in a bucket either way

Just test the water asap tomorrow and do a nice size water change if there are any issues

 

[Industrial]

There is going to be more water in the tank than the bucket. The bucket will not have bacteria either and the water in it with the fish will go fowl much faster than that in the tank.

You want to move the fish into the tank with the bacteria quickly, because without food, it dies off.

 

[Oscarum monstruoso]

Thanks for the advice guys. I got another fresh filter and put it on, then I put him in. I had already mixed his old with my new water and the temp of both was 80 degrees. He is chilling, swimming around a bit after resting on the gravel.

When would be the best time to add some salt?

 

[johno27]

I personally do not add salt unless I am treating something in particular.

I would just do light feedings and monitor your water quality closely performing water changes and adding prime as needed

I know there are a lot of people that swear by having salt in their tanks all the time I guess it is just personal preference

 

[Oscarum monstruoso]

Johno, I somewhat agree with you, I used just one heaping teaspoon of salt for the 54 gallons. I didnt go the tablespoon per ten gallons route. He's swimming around, seems to be acclimating ok.

 

[nes999]

I personally do not add salt unless I am treating something in particular.

I would just do light feedings and monitor your water quality closely performing water changes and adding prime as needed

I know there are a lot of people that swear by having salt in their tanks all the time I guess it is just personal preference

i agree

 

[Oscarum monstruoso]

How do you guys feel about minimal salt addition?

He seems to be doing ok so far btw, he's exploring and sniffing around.

 

[Industrial]

How do you guys feel about minimal salt addition?

He seems to be doing ok so far btw, he's exploring and sniffing around.

Salt addition only replaces some minerals that are lost from RO water, or water that hasn't been changed in a while. IMO, new and fresh water has all the minerals that is needed and there should already be plenty of new water in the tank. Water changes help replace lost minerals. Any more, and you are starting to venture into curing parasites and then brackish/marine water.