Advice Needed Please!

[MONKEY]

Hello! Have just bought our first tank - it is a fluval 600 approx 70 litres.

We have had the tank running for approx 10 days now and have the following readings - PH 7.6. Ammonia 0.25. NO2 - 0.5 and NO3 - 20. Current Tank temp is a steady 72 degrees.

According to the test kit leaflet we are all ready for our first batch of fish. Can anyone give me some advice on what fish to go for first. I understand that Neon Tetras make good starters but have also been told that they are nippers. I would quite like to start with platies but do not feel ready for their rate of breeding - therefore can you have two of the same sex living together? Any advice would be much appreciated as we are visiting the aquarium tomorrow.

Many thanks x

 

[OohFeeshy]

Na-ah. What has been in the tank, except water? With water levels like tht, any fish you add will most likely die instantly, not the best scenario, obviously. You'll have to test until ammonia and nitrite are at 0, however this depends on what products/chemicals you've used in it. First fish, not neons. They need a mature tank. Platies would be a better choice, and I wouldn't worry about the fry too much. Any other fish you get will eat them, and if a few do survive they can be taken to a shop, or kept without *too* much hassle.

 

[MONKEY]

Na-ah. What has been in the tank, except water? With water levels like tht, any fish you add will most likely die instantly, not the best scenario, obviously. You'll have to test until ammonia and nitrite are at 0, however this depends on what products/chemicals you've used in it. First fish, not neons. They need a mature tank. Platies would be a better choice, and I wouldn't worry about the fry too much. Any other fish you get will eat them, and if a few do survive they can be taken to a shop, or kept without *too* much hassle.

THe only other thing in this tank is gravel and plants! The test kit said that as long as the NO3 levels are below 40 it is fine. Do you think if we brought the platies they would survive as I understand that they are quite hardy fish and the levels of ammonia and nitrate change with the fish in the tank - is this correct?

 

[tttnjfttt]

in a cycled tank, ammonia and nitrite (no2) should always be kept at zero. If nothing is in your tank, it would be a good idea to test your tap water (use dechlorinator first). Another possibility is that some plant leaves have begun to decay and cause the ammonia buildup?

When you add fish, the ammonia and eventually nitrite will rise. both of these are toxic to fish, which is why you want these levels at zero. Have you looked into fishless cycling?

 

[CroNiC]

I would start of with black skirt tetras. They are hardy and can survive the your water. But personally i would first bring the nitrate and ammonia to 0 then start adding fish. O and i doubt that neons nip fins, correct me if im wrong.
If you have wiated 10 days then take another 2 days and make the nitrate and ammonia go down to 0. Dont take risks

 

[dwarfgourami]

I would start of with black skirt tetras. They are hardy and can survive the your water. But personally i would first bring the nitrate and ammonia to 0 then start adding fish. O and i doubt that neons nip fins, correct me if im wrong.
If you have wiated 10 days then take another 2 days and make the nitrate and ammonia go down to 0. Dont take risks

Just leaving the tank sitting is not going to cycle it.

 

[Waterloo Kid]

Check out the following post

http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?showtopic=10099

It should explain a few basics to you.

WK