Cycling Finally Complete

[rdd1952]

When I checked my nitrites today after work, I had that glorious light blue color which means no nitrites. FINALLY!!!!! Nitrates are off the chart and I know that will be gone with the big water change. My question is this: do I still need to add my fish a few at a time or am I pretty safe to add a good quantity at once. this is a 75 gallon tank that has gone the full cycling process? Below is my planned stocking:

4 angels
4 blue rams (will have to find as no one locally stocks them)
12 tetras (type TBD)
6 corys
4 algae eaters - either bristlenose catfish or dwarf plecos (any suggestions)

Because of the huge algae buildup I currently have, the AEs will probably be the first thing I need to add. Thanks in advance for your help.

 

[rayjay999]

I'm pretty sure it depends on how you cycled. If you fishless cycled, you can add a lot of fish at once since you've been using ammonia to simulate a full load of fish, but if you used fish to cycle, you can only add a few at a time since you need to give the bacteria a chance to grow.

 

[rdd1952]

It was completely a fishless cycle with pure ammonia. I did a little research and it appears that it is best if I do add all or at least almost all the fish at once. Otherwise there won't be enough bioload to keep the bacteria alive.

 

[rayjay999]

Yup, if you do fishless cycling you should add all the fish at once.

 

[SworDTail KeePer]

I would get the plecos. You know what I like to do is find the smallest fish that I am looking for and watch it grow ginormous! Well thats what I like to do.

 

[Katchan]

Catfish should be last added, gives alge's etc time to grow, wether or not you will be adding other food for them it is something to consider?

Katchan