Adding Gbr

[GetItSahn]

Just a quick question. I would like to add two german blue rams to my 29 gallon tank. My only concern is that I have read they need a well established aquarium. 
Does well established simply mean cycled? or is there a certain amount of time? My tank has been fully cycled for around 3 months.

 

[fluttermoth]

No, well established does not mean cycled.
 
The exact reasons for fish not doing well in new tanks, even if they are properly cycled, is not fully understood, but appears to be to do with the development of 'biofilm' in the tank. This is a thin layer of bacteria and/or algae that coats nearly all the surfaces in the tank.
 
It takes around six months for a tank to become 'well established' rather than just cycled.

 

[eaglesaquarium]

I would second the 6 month timeframe for 'established' or 'mature'.

 

[GetItSahn]

No, well established does not mean cycled.
 
The exact reasons for fish not doing well in new tanks, even if they are properly cycled, is not fully understood, but appears to be to do with the development of 'biofilm' in the tank. This is a thin layer of bacteria and/or algae that coats nearly all the surfaces in the tank.
 
It takes around six months for a tank to become 'well established' rather than just cycled.

 

I would second the 6 month timeframe for 'established' or 'mature'.

Thank you both very much