fresh tank

[Fishianado]

How long should I wait to introduce fish into the tank after filling and running. I have live plants but some people tell me add a few right away to help cycle and others tell me wait 3-4 weeks. Help?

[phish]

Some people don't like to use fish to get the nitrogen cycle going. Personally, I'd toss a couple zebra danios in there to help get the tank to cycle. They are cheap and durable fish and will live through the cycling process. Now, I will duck to avoid getting hit by the eggs that get thrown my way.

[Xander]

I do stand by fish-in over fishless, just based on the fact that it guarantees end results. Any number of things can cause a fishless cycle top go wrong in an instant. Seed material (when available) is my true cycle of choice, however!

[gabor129]

I did both fish and fish less cycles. If fish less is done properly it is just as fast as with fish. Need to toss a raw cocktail shrimp or two in to start the cycle with. Nowadays however I have several cycled filters to start new tanks with!

[jeffyguy]

I prefer fish less just because people will put just about any fish in the tank to cycle it but when it's time to add the fish you really want, you don't usually want the fish you cycled with. And you don't really want to cycle the tank with the fish you want just in case there not hardy enough for an uncalled tank. And two would you want to be thrown into a hostile environment just to get it ready for someone else?

[Andre]

Welcome to the forum.. like a few have mentioned there is a wealth of information from some great people on this site so don't be hesitant to ask any questions you have. One thing is there is never a stupid question.
Another thing, don't get discouraged as this hobby is all about learning and experienced aquarist will always tell you they continue to learn new things.

Now a questions for you

1. Do you have a water testing kit? If not then i would highly recommend you do. Get an API Freshwater Kit like this



This will help you see visually the transition of the nitrogen cycle in your tank.

A method that helped me understand and see the Nitrogen Cycle happen in my tank was to grab a notepad and log tests i did every other day on the tank.
I went with the fishless method which does take 3-4 or up to 6 weeks for the cycle to develop.
during that time i was logging the readings of the kit and slowly with each passing week you'll see by the test what is happening in your tank.

Using live fish will definitely speed things up but it's also a way to burn yourself out quickly in this hobby with doing daily water changes and if you start losing fish you may become discouraged and wonder what you are doing wrong.

An even quicker way is to get bacteria from an established tank and dump that into your tank and you'll have an instant cycle.
I would highly discourage this method as you being new to this hobby you should take your time and fully understand what it is you are doing and you will have a greater appreciation and accomplishment.

2. Watch this video, this guy breaks down the nitrogen cycle really well and helps you understand why it's so important to understand as it's the foundation to every successful aquarium.



Hope this helps

[lesfromlakeshore]

Andre that is an incredible post .

[phish]

I used zebra danios to cycle my tank and not only did they live through the changes in water chemistry during the cycling, they even reproduced. However, cycling with or without fish is basically the same. All you are doing is dosing the tank with ammonia.

[zenins]

You could borrow someone's hang on back filter for a week or two to get your good bacteria going

I used to have two running on a 50 gallon community tank and I would lend one out to others starting a tank,
or if I was starting another new tank, I would move one to the new tank for a couple of weeks

[Fishianado]

Thanks Zenins

I am having a helluva time with this tank. I'm on the 3rd try now and it's staying clear but did lose ALOT of the plants I purchased and also lost one of the 2 tiger barbs I got from Aqua. Hoping to find members that have extra they would be willing to help me out with since I've exhausted all my money available since I also needed to restock my tattooing business supplies.

[Deleted]

What is the tank size and there is any canister filter? You need to cycle your tank before adding fish. Here is goog article which will help you to cycle your tank safely: fishboxpro.com/best-canister-filter-review/

[Crazygar]

I'm not a huge fan or do I condone using live fish to help cycle a newly setup aquarium. Regardless of the methods used, 3-4 weeks will still be a minimum. Here are some methods I've used in the past, present and future;

1) Raw Cocktail SHrimp
2) Using established media/water/decor from established tanks
3) Adding tons of live plants
4) Feed the "invisible" fish. The Bacteria need food as well, feeding small amounts of crushed flakes helps.

Either way, you have to wait 3 to 4 weeks. Test, test and test again until conditions permit living things (i.e. Fish) to not only survive but thrive in the tank. Nothing ever good happens fast in this hobby.

Gary

[lisachromis]

I use my fish that are going in the tank to cycle it. Mind you, I pay attention to what's going on in the tank. I can tell by looking if the fish are not happy. Water changes is always the answer for my cycling issues. I know that some people complain that it slows the cycling. It does, but it's safer for the fish you have. Why cause suffering? I have also been doing this for a long time. I would never tell a beginner to go with this route. That's asking for trouble.

[Crazygar]

That's a good point Lisa, even with the decades of experience that I have, I tend to avoid this route, why tempt fate? I prefer fishless, besides, I have patience, which is a handy tool in this hobby.

Gary