Ammonia, Nitrite And Nitrate Reading

My stocking is alright, seems at the moment the 2 same type angelfish are fighting to be the alpha-angel. Taking the 5 glass catfish to the LFS today aswell.

Sorry, forgot you are fish-in!

It sounds to me like you are in your qualifying week - once you've had your Double Zeros, (the Holy Grail of fishkeeping!) for a week without water changes, you can consider yourself cycled.
 
Ok that was my 5th day of trying to go without a water change and levels are still fine :)

Maybe this phase has gone faster due to buying a filter off a friend who had it in an established tank?
 
One of the problems with fish in cycles is that you don't create the robust bacteria colonies that you do in fishless.

As a result you have to increase your stock level slowly and allow the bacteria to build up each time. After adding some new stock you also have to be keeping your eye open for any ammonia or nitrite that signal the tank is cycling again.

If you get double zeros for a full week then add some more stock. Just don't jump to 100% stocking levels straight away.
 
Ok thanks for the advice :) Does the ammonia/nitrite jump about a day after adding the new fish if there isn't enough bacteria?
 
Yeah you'll notice it with in a day or 2. I'd keep an eye every day for a couple of weeks. If you get double zeros go ahead and add a few more.

I'd add no more than a small shoal or pair of fish at one time. If you plan to have a larger shoal of something add them in 2 groups.
 
I was thinking about adding a couple of black mollies or something?

Last day off before work and want to buy something ;)
 
I was thinking about adding a couple of black mollies or something?

Last day off before work and want to buy something ;)

I think a lot of people would suggest to wait out the week - but I know #41####-sure I wouldn't be able to resist too!
 
Hmm i'm not sure i can wait that long haha think i'll risk it. Also i just took out 5, 6cm glass catfish so i have to replace the bioload... :ninja:
 
Hmm i'm not sure i can wait that long haha think i'll risk it. Also i just took out 5, 6cm glass catfish so i have to replace the bioload... :ninja:

Fair enough!
 

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