Got my two little guys in a 55 Gallon for now. Got to do my first water change soon considering I Didn't research or cycle the tank. Should I leave them in the tank, I mean they have only been in there a couple days. Im afraid by netting them up they will get too stressed ya know.
Water Changes
- Thread starter shelbybmc
- Start date
Can you give a little more info, like has the tank been set up long before adding them or did you add anything to kick start the cycling? Generally you leave your fish in the tank and only do a partial water change, depending on bio load people will do 25-50% on a weekly basis, but that varies greatly. If your tank starts to build up ammonia (as it probably will) youll want to do smaller water changes every couple days or so (and leave the fish in). The goal will be to keep most of the water in the tank to allow the cycle to happen, but remove enough water each time to keep the ammonia at a safe level.
Anyhow besides how long has the tank been set up, what sort of filtration are you running, whats your stock and what are your water parameters (pH, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates). With that info we can probably give more specific help
Anyhow besides how long has the tank been set up, what sort of filtration are you running, whats your stock and what are your water parameters (pH, ammonia, nitrites and nitrates). With that info we can probably give more specific help
Thanks for your advice. And I wasnt trolling Im completely new at this. I did at a quick cycle in at first and I did use Prime in the first fill. Its been running for 2 weeks now and water is at 81 Degrees. No ammonia considering theve been in there for 2 days. Fish are acting healthy as can be and are eating well. It was a new tank BUT the decorations ( two Pieces of wood ) were in a established tank for two years. I dont think the bio load is much there only two of them and there about 2 1/2". Ph is also a little high but I dripped them in. So far Ive learned everything ive done on here and its working well.
sounds like you are doing it right. sorry for the first comment, thought you were joking. I'm assuming you have an api water test kit? If your ammonia reading is 0, check nitrite, and nitrate reading. If nitrite is also 0 and you have a nitrate reading, your tank should be cycled. How large is the tank? Also bump the heat up to 85F+, baby cichla need warmer water.
Its all good. Dont laugh at this either lol!! when I bought everything I only bought a PH test kit and an ammonia test kit. It says it tests nitrates but all it does is color codes everything, no numbers to go by. I will change the water ever 3-4 days to be safe and the heat will be risen! The heater I have now is kind of old and has been on full blast 81 is the highest it goes. Im getting a 200W tomorrow in the mail so I will beef it up slowly! Thanks Again!
No ones laughin. your doin a good job im glad MFK could help you get started...yea id bump up the temp to atleast 85 if your heater will crank it that high. Goodluck with your cichla they look great