New Tank, 2nd Day With Fish

[Daveptkd]

hi all,

took a descision to NOT fishless cycle, even though i read all there was, i gave up trying to get ammonia!!! also, I was swayed by my family (who have had fish all my life), my tank is a week old.

i haev been hanging a stocking bag of established gravel in the tank, which is still there.

so yesterday my results were, Ammonia 0, Nitrite 0, pH 7.4, Nitrate 20.

I put in 6 x Danio's.

Today my results are, Ammonia 0.5, Nitrite 0.5, pH 7.4, Nitrate 20.

are these levels enough to do a partial water change, considering it's only 24hrs, or should I do a partial change tomorrow when the readings are a little higher?

many thanks

Dave

 

[Leslie]

You can do a water change if you like or wait. Keep an eye out for any signs of stress. The presence of nitrite is a very good sign. The more water changes you do the slower your cycle will be but also less amount of stress on the fish as you keep the levels from getting deadly. Some people advocate no water changes during the cycle and some say everyday... it's all up to you. Make sure to feed sparingly until the cycle is complete... once every 2 days will be sufficient.

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

I would personally do a water change, although danios are very hardy little fish in general, ammonia and nitrites/water quality issues are often the main cause for sickness in fish, which can be an issue with cycling with fish- regular small water changes with dechlorinator is the best way to keep the nitrites and ammonia at bay, fishless cycles in general are shorter to do than cycling with fish because you are always having to do water changes to keep the fish healthy and at ease, but keeping the fish healthy and happy is the priority.

The other thing is though, is how many gallons is the tank? The most important part of cycling with fish is choosing the right amount and the right type of fish to cycle the tank, put too many fish in a tank too small at once and you will be battling with the ammonia and nitrites much harder.

 

[Daveptkd]

Hi,

my tank is 125Litres, not sure what this is in Gallons? 32.5?

thanks


Dave

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

125litres is 30gals roughly there or abouts, the danios should be fine in it, just make sure you test for ammonia and nitrites regually and do water changes accordingly as so not to let the nitrites and ammonia build up too much .