Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Now that my 14g FW tank is almost done cycling, I'm picking out my fish. This is what I had in mind:

Bottom tier: Albino Cory Catfish
Middle Tier: Platies
Top Tier: Glofish or Guppies

I'm thinking I can have maybe 10-12 fish total?? When I add my fish to the existing biofilter, how many can I add initially? I was thinking 3-4 platies and one Cory. Does this make sense? After all the time I took with cycling, I want to make sure I don't mess up now!

You should probably start with the glofish or guppies or platies because you don't want your bottom feeders to starve. You should only start adding maybe 3 fish maximum so your tank doesn't crash. Then, wait for your cycle to complete again (0 ppm ammonia, 0 nitrites,
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Phishie
Site Coordinator

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

I think I'll start with the platies because I think they're a little hardier than the glofish. When you said the tank needed to recycle once I add fish, how does that work, and how long should it take??

Sounds like a plan. Basically when you add the fish you are adding more nutrients than your current bacteria can handle. Therefore they need to adjust to the new addition of nutrients. It will take about the same amount of time, perhaps a little bit quicker if your bacteria are quick about it. Generally speaking it takes 4-6 weeks to cycle, but I should say with the initial cycle already completed it shouldn't take that long. I never kept track of mine and how long it took. Just be sure that everything is ok again before you add more fish. You can add cycle or something similar if you want to help it along. Just be aware that ammonia is the number one fish killer so keep an eye on it.
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Phishie
Site Coordinator

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

Thanks for all your input! I have another question. My LFS recommended I use Seachem Prime to jumpstart the cycle, as it had stalled. It says that it neutralizes ammonia/nitrites/nitrates without removing them. This is confirmed by my test kit. My question is this. My nitrites are still sky high and my nitrate readings are fluctuating wildly. I got readings of 160ppm for 3 days after adding the Prime, then this morning the nitrates were 5ppm. After adding more Prime, it jumped up to 160 again. The nitrites remain off the scale, and, needless to say, I'm getting very frustrated with all of this. I did a 4.5 gallon water change and retested the water. .5 ammonia, off-the-chart nitrite (still) and 80ppm of nitrates. The pH is 7.6. Oh, I forgot to tell you the water had become very acidic, 6.0 or less, over the past few days, which is the main reason I did the water change. Does any of this make any sense to you? I've followed directions for fishless cycling to the letter and I've been at it for 7 weeks. It seems that I should be done by now. Any thoughts? Thanks for reading my long-winded reply!

I've never done a fishless cycle myself, but I will the next time I set up a tank. The good news is I'm learning from your experience, and I can help you to the best of my ability with the cycling information.

I haven't heard from anyone about Seachem Prime. Here's what I think about it: I didn't see anything about it containing live bacteria cultures (which would help your bacteria handle the ammonia/nitrites/nitrates). It just says that it neutralizes it... and that, to me, means that it is messing up your cycling process... throwing your bacteria all out of whack. Always keep in mind that your LFS is biased because they want to sell you things. I only have the well being of your fish in mind.

I would compare the seachem prime to the Tetra Aqua Easy Balance, which I would never use as a bacterial additive (or while cycling). Well, I should say I will never use it again for cycling. What you are looking for in a cycle aid is live bacterial cultures (specifically Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter if they list them or nitrifying bacteria).

So your water test confirmed that it did or did not remove the ammonia, nitrates, and nitrites? I think it's safe to say that by adding the Prime, you have damaged your colonies. You should have been done with the cycling by now, however, it varies for each person. Sometimes it works just fine, and sometimes we unknowingly sabotage ourselves. Trust me, I've done it to myself. Patience is the key. Don't give up; the perfect habitat is well worth the wait.
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Phishie
Site Coordinator

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

Hi there.

I did add biospira, which has the bacteria, before using the prime. I hope I haven't damaged the colonies, as I'm still getting extremely high nitrite/nitrate readings on my water tests. The seachem website says that prime doesn't destroy ammonia, nitrates or nitrites but just detoxifies them and that the biological filter will continue to break them down. My test results are supporting that at least for now, so I'll keep my fingers crossed. Also, I really think the crashing ph has something to do with all of this. At this point, could I do a massive water change and add fish to continue the cycle or would that be too dangerous??

Have you read up on the actually processes happening during cycling? I believe the Prime has messed up your cycling (along with some other factor I haven't realized yet - affecting the pH) because of its "neutralizing" qualities. The bacteria need to adjust to the quantity there, and then when they are capable of handling it, then you can add more. So if part of the nutrients go away, and then come back it's like starting the cycle all over again. Am I making sense or just rambling? I never recommend using anything but bacterial additives while cycling. It tends to mess things up. I haven't figured out what is up with your pH yet. I know the cycle (as far as the bacteria is concerned, but not much else as far as chemistry is concerned).

Avoid large water changes at all costs. You should also remember that you did a larger water change than is required, and I'm unsure of the total effects of that alone... let alone the effects of the Prime and the water change. Have patience, and believe me it will actually help you in the long run. This is all experience. I know it can be VERY frustrating.
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Phishie
Site Coordinator

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

Great News!

My tank finally finished cycling and the ph is stable at 7.6 for several weeks now! I have 13 fish: 5 neons, 2 Albino Corys, 3 Mickey Mouse platies and 3 guppies. I've added them gradually over the past few weeks and there has been absolutely no ammonia spike at all! I'm now on a schedule of changing 2 gallons every week and vacuuming half of the gravel weekly. I'm still testing more often to make sure the tank remains stable, but so far, it's worked perfectly. The biofilter is going strong and the fish are active and happy.
I'll keep you posted. Thanks for listening to my cycling ordeal!