How Many Fish To Add

[PrairieSunflower]

I am in the process of setting up a new tank (3 foot tank). Its not cycled yet, but this is my first time cycling this size of tank. My question is... when it is cycled, should I add my fish 2 by 2 (which is what I did with my smaller tanks)... or can I add more at a tank without throwing it out of whack? FYI... I intend to make this tank for only female guppies and their fry. I have two adult females, about 8 2 month-ish old females and probably about 40 fry between 1-3 weeks old who will eventually take up residence in this new tank. So, just a bit unsure of how to proceed to introduce them to the new tank when the time comes... I'm just guessing that I can't add them all at one time.

 

[fluttermoth]

It does depend on what ppm of ammonia you cycle to, but you should be safe to add all the fish at once. That's one of the big advantages to a full fishless cycle. 3 or 4ppm of ammonia is far more than those fish would be producing in a day.

As always, with any changes you make in a tank, including stocking, you should feed sparingly and test often for the first few days.

 

[PrairieSunflower]

Ah! I didn't realize that... I was aiming for perfect readings. Will also be a fully planted tank by the time it comes to adding the fish.