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Hi All

I picked up my new custom made 50g tank and stand on Saturday, I've washed the substrate (black coarse sand) and set up the filter (canister, 1000l p/h?), heater and neutralised the water and added some bio-starter. Yesterday I purchsed some fantastic rocks and numerous high, medium and low growing plants along with 4 lights to help them grow. The tank looks fantastic...

Now, will someone please advise me, in simple terms - when can I add some fish? Do I need to do anything else, what should I measure etc.

I was thinking of a few algae eaters next weekend, by which time the tank will have had 7 days of running - is this correct...

Thanks in advance for your help/advice.

OZ Clinton

Well done on your new tank.

Is this your first tank?

In very simple terms dont add any fish until every thing is right and then add the fish 1-2 at a time.

Ok When do I add the fish?
Take samples of your water to the Aqu before you buy any fish, they should have many tests they can do for you and give you instructions on what to do if the tank is ready or not.

Remember dont be in a hurry to add fish.

Where in OZ are you anyway. If in my area I can recommend a very good Aqu who would give you expert advice.

Keith

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Hi Keith

Yes, it is my first tank and she's a beauty!

I'm in Brisbane and have been using Clayfield Aquariums, they have been awesome.

Thanks for the advice on getting my water tested.

Clinton

Hi
New tanks are always exciting.

Do u know about cycling a tank. The process of bacteria breaking down ammonia into nitrite then into nitrate. If not read the articles found on this site. http://www.fishprofiles.net/faq/begin-cycling.asp Here the quick link. Look through the FAQ lots of info there.

I would not add any plecos at this point. Not at least untill the tank is cycled. Wait until you see some algae growth.

If you cycle with fish, get some hardy fish that handle the cycle, like zebra danios or something else. If you don't want to keep the fish after cycling make sure you can donate them back or give them away after cycling. Depending on the fish that you start with ask the lfs what is the apporiate amount you should get.

You can also do fishless cycling, I don't remember any good websites, someone else could help or do a google search.

Get some test kits and remember the cycling can not start untill you have a food source(ammonia through fish waste) to for the bacteria. Be patient some cases it can take longer than a month for cycle to complete. I would NOT reccomend adding fish that are not cycle hardy as they can easily die. Good and luck have fun.
hopes this helps openwater

Last edited by openwater at 04-Oct-2004 18:15

Last edited by openwater at 04-Oct-2004 18:25