Age Old Question

[Leitch]

Should full stock be added to a cycled tank all in one go, or a few fish at a time?

Ive heard different views on this.

Debate

 

[fish-aholic]

If you do a fishless cycle then you can add all of the fish at the same time. Just check your ammonia, ph, etc. often.

 

[pica_nuttalli]

cycle with fish: add 1-2 fish at a time, wait 2-3 weeks between additions

cycle without fish: wait 2-4 weeks for bacteria colony to develop, add complete stocking at once. any future additions should be done 1-2 fish at a time; wait 2-3 weeks between additions.

clone a tank: if original tank has X amount of fish and you use 1/Y of the original filter media, then you should be able to put X/Y fish immediately in the new tank. any future additions should be done 1-2 fish at a time; wait 2-3 weeks between additions.

 

[Musho3210]

the speed to add fish depends on the size of your tank, if you have a 10-30 gallon, yes 1-2 medium sized fish at once, you could get away with 6 small fish at once in weekly intervals. 1-2 fish in 2-3 week intervals is not needed IME, you can add more and wait less.