New 50 Gallon!

[rockdon]

Hey everybody I just got a 50 gallon tank from a friend and I've got some questions.
The tank had fish in but they died a few months ago but water was still left in when they were getting it ready to go to my house they discovered a live pleco hiding under the pebbles the plec was removed and a 90 percent water change was done then they brought it to my house and filled it .

Since the plec was in there does this mean the tank is still cycled?
How long before I should put fish in?
And most importantly whic fish should I put in!

Tank stats
Ph7.2-7.6
Alkalinity 120-180
Hardness 50-120
Nitrite0
Nitrate 0-10
Lenghth 30 inches
12.5wide
20 deep. All help is apriceated ! THANK YOU! Dimensions may not be correct

 

[K_Hedin]

I would personally not consider it completely cycled at this point. Who knows how bad the water got. I would give the tank a really good scrubbing on the walls to make sure any algae gets off. Then I would monitor the water stats for a week and make sure there are no ammonia or nitrite peaks. If everything stays steady then I would start putting fish in it slowly. A few to six every week or two while continuing to monitor the stats. Just my thoughts but I am still pretty new to all of this and figuring things out a little. I am sure someone else with more experience will come along and give you their two cents as well.

 

[Biddles95]

Well , for fish it depends if you prefer lots of little fish/medium fish.. or a couple og biggish ones? OR one big one and some smallish ones with it I have a 55 gallon and i am thinking of putting in a severum (big fish) then adding some smaller companions ( e.g. silver dollars). If you give us an idea what size of fish etc your looking for im sure everyone can help

Billy

 

[kizno1]

If the filter was still running then yeah it is cycled but only for the amount of waste a plec makes. So if you want to add more fish you will have to do it slowly and keep a close eye on the water conditions. What type of plec is it? Its likely to be a common which get 24" so could do with being rehomed if it is.

"I have a 55 gallon and i am thinking of putting in a severum (big fish) then adding some smaller companions ( e.g. silver dollars)"
Sevs get to big IMO, Even rotkeils the smallest type get 6-8" which is to big. Sliver dollars need to be in groups of 4+ and get 6" and active i wouldnt keep either of them fish in anything under 75G.