how many fish do i need

[terrorist_124]

hey every1,

i'm gonna cycle my new 60g with livebearers.
how many do u think i will need for it to cycle properly?

thanx in advance

 

[evofish]

erm i never cycled cos bought a tank all ready going for years but being a 60 gallon i would guess 2 or 3 i coulpd be wrong though so somebody correct me if im wrong

 

[debiasir]

not sure how many but ask your LFS for filter media from an existing tank you should get it for free or a small charge and that will speed up the cycling process

 

[George Farmer]

Have you considered fishless cycling? It is more humane.

 

[One_Trick_Pony]

or run the new filter on an existing tnak if you or a friend has one

 

[MegTheFish]

If you don't want to fishless cycle (you should though! It *usually* takes less time AND it doesn't harm any fish) then I wouldn't suggest using livebearers to cycle it. Most are not very hardy because they are so inbred (or something like that). Danios would be a good choice though. They are EXTREMLY hardy. Mine have gone through almost everything and so far I've only lost one (to an unknown cause) out of 10.

 

[XKrinXerZ]

Maybe about 5-10 guppys to cycle your new tank. I dont really know much about livebears so maybe someone else can give you more advanced advice

 

[MegTheFish]

Yah, as I said, I don't think livebearers are the best choice. I would go with about 10 danios, but remember, since its a large tank, it might take a few months to cycle if you don't add any seeded bacteria from the your other tanks.

 

[bunjiweb]

If you have another tank up and running and fairly mature, then put your new filter in there for about a week. Get your new tank up to the same temperature then move the new filter across to the 60gallon. This will then be instantly cycled. Start it off with at least 6 fish (platies, danios, kribensis etc.) and build up from there.

Ben

 

[pica_nuttalli]

try starting with a fish you'd be interested in keeping in the long run. it saves a lot of effort in figuring out what to do with the fish once you're done cycling.

 

[G_Sharky]

I'd go with 5 platy's to start with....and I don't think it's cruel as most fish could tolerate ammonia and nitrite for a certain time...I had 2 green spotted puffer to cycle my 20 and they were fine, never see them stress or anything.....go with platy's though they are cheaper

 

[terrorist_124]

i have already introduced bacteria from my existing tank.
and i want to keep livebearers because i don't want to buy more fish and my current tank is full of livebearers.
i currently have 4 in my new tank along with some plants,do i need any more?