Keeping A Grow Out Tank Cycled

[tkdjr1186]

So I have a 20 gallon with my cichlid fry growing out in it right now. My question is whenever I sell these guys what is the best way to keep an ammonia source in the tank for the next spawn. Fish are always welcome I just need them to be able to not eat the fry when they go in.

 

[Termato]

So I have a 20 gallon with my cichlid fry growing out in it right now. My question is whenever I sell these guys what is the best way to keep an ammonia source in the tank for the next spawn. Fish are always welcome I just need them to be able to not eat the fry when they go in.

You could try snails or shrimp. That would work well and they will eat extra food/waste.

You could always try ottos or dwarf corys because their tiny.

 

[FishFanatic04]

Cories would work. They don't eat fry.

 

[fluttermoth]

Cories aren't going to be very happy in a hard water, alkaline set up though

OP; I'd just keep either the whole filter, or the media, from your grow out tank in the main one and just move them over when you need it.

 

[FishFanatic04]

oh geez. I tossed that out with out realizing. Good catch fluttermoth

 

[Termato]

Cories aren't going to be very happy in a hard water, alkaline set up though

OP; I'd just keep either the whole filter, or the media, from your grow out tank in the main one and just move them over when you need it.

tkdjr1186, do you know the hardness of your water? kH? gH?

I have to slightly disagree here. I think the more fragile cory species (like 90% of them) this applies to, but not to all. Long term they will most certainly do better in soft water (hardness below 12 dGH) acidic water, that I do agree.

Although for these little guys you could definitely stretch it a bit:

Bronze Corys (Soft to medium hard < 20 dGH)
Gosse Cory (hardness below 25 dGH, preferably below 12 dGH)
Banded Cory (2-25 dGH)

I have Bronze Corys in hard (18-20gH) and moderately alkaline water. The fish store i got them from keeps them in the local tap water which is the same as I keep them in. If you find them in your local fish store or at a pet store around you, it should be more than fine.