When should i put fish into my new tank?

[ironwalrus69]

I want to get 1 or 2 fish this weekend but im wondering if its too soon. It will have been about 16 days by then so i need to know when you should put fish into it... Thanks

Emery

[NCguy]

You need to check all of your water perimeters first to make sure that your tank has finished cycling.

[Rick55555]

I agree with the above post, you should check your parameters first. Also, remember to quarantine all new acquisitions.

Rick

[auntynatal]

imho its too soon. Be patient.

[Victor1046]

I bet your tank is not cycled yet. How big is your tank? Amonia and nitrates and more than likely very high and will kill any fish or clean up crew you add to such a new tank.
You may want to check out the two threads at the beginning of this forum for lots of info if you have not already!

[ironwalrus69]

My tank is a 46gal. but i have checked both my amonia and my nitrites and my amonia is below .25 and the nitrites are about .5 but i havent checked my nitrates because i was told i dont need to untill after the two week period...

[Diver4life]

just wait until ammonia and nitrite read -0.It is too soon, And you should start with some snails or hermits first. Thats what i did. then if everything looks good add 1 fish first. PS quarantine first.

[Deb91]

Your tank is not done cycling yet. Who told you not to test for nitrates ,they are part of the cycle! You have to slow down a few notches for your own good. Everyone gets excited but if you rush things you are to end up messing your tank up!

[ahullsb]

Agreed. Don't add fish with ammonia as high as it is. Be patient. Wait until ammonia is 0. It can injure your fish and burn their gills from my understanding.

[ironwalrus69]

thanks... but the test kit told me that during the first two weeks i dont need to measure the nitrates and then after those two weeks to measure the nitrates once a week.

[skippy2]

It doesn't matter what the test kits say. You need to do amm-0, nitrites-0, nitrates-0 (or at least .5). That's how you know when your cycle is done.
I cycled my tank in 18 days but I still let it sit with no animals for another month. I then added just snails and hermits. After a few weeks, and testing, I added 1 fish. I then slowly (month intervals) added the rest of the fish.
None of us here want your money but the lfs does. You need to remember that and go slowly. Patience is what is needed most in this hobby to succeed.

[steri]

Originally posted by skippy2
It doesn't matter what the test kits say. You need to do amm-0, nitrites-0, nitrates-0 (or at least .5). That's how you know when your cycle is done.

Patience is what is needed most in this hobby to succeed.

yup! Give it some more time. In the long run, you'll be happier you did!

[tmz]

Several more weeks at least. Use the time to set up a quarantine tank. New acquisitions should spend at least four weeks in qt.

[ironwalrus69]

How big does a QT tank need to be and does it need to be set up the same way as a regular tank???

[tmz]

Size depends on what you are quarantining, Since your fish will be in there for a month or more it should be comfortable. I use a 29 gallon. I leave it dry unless I am acquiring fish.It has a heater,thermometer,ammonia alert badge,a small hob filter,a small powerhead and a regular aquarium light.

[ironwalrus69]

okay thanks