Adding Fish To New Tank

[grayshark1956]

Hi, Can someone help me with a new tank? I know there is a waiting period for adding fish to a new tank, but, my question is this---When I set up a new 10 gal tank today and add dechlorinated water with start zyme plus some water from previous tank, and filter and heater, how soon can I add my existing fish? I will get more live plants when I buy the new tank. I can strain previous water that is several days old. I also have ammonia safe and new bottle of start right.

Do I still need to wait before adding my fish? Well, is 24 hours okay? And is it true maximum number of fish for 10 gal tank is 10-12? And lastly, how does good bacteria form in a new tank before ever adding any fish? Wouldn't start zyme help so I can add my fish sooner? Thank you.

 

[PrairieSunflower]

Will you be moving your existing filter from your previous tank into the new tank? If yes, then you can move the fish right away.

If you are using a brand new filter then you need to read up on fishless cycling. Basically, you need a source of ammonia to be dosed into your tank daily which feeds the bacteria. You generally need to continue doing this for about 4-6 weeks until you test your water and you have reached ammonia 0, nitrite 0 and have nitrate of around 10ish and these results remain stable for a period. Without a source of ammonia the cycle won't even begin.

Check out this thread.. http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/277264-beginners-resource-center/

 

[Essjay]

And is it true maximum number of fish for 10 gal tank is 10-12?

It's not 10 to 12 fish, it's 10 to 12 inches of fish that grow no bigger than 3 inches. And it's the adult size of the fish that must be added up not the size they are in the shop. So 10 to 12 fish that only grow to 1 inch; or 5 to 6 fish that grow to 2 inches.

 

[The Taffy Apple]

Is the filter from the old tank? Does it still have wet media inside? If so, how long has it been running in a tank with nothing in? Old tank water is next to useless, the vast majority of our beneficial bacteria live in our filters on the media.
Do you have a liquid based test kit? If not, you need one.

Terry.