Not Enough Stock To Cycle

[tropicalisticism]

HI,

Ive got a new tank (50 Gal UK) with 3 x Tiger Barb, 3 x Gold Barb, and 2 x Swordtail. Had it for about a fortnight now, and am getting no ammonia readings when testing. Having looked through the forum it looks like i dont have enough stock to start the cycling process sufficiently. Since we have grown attached to the fish, returning them is not an option...try suggesting that to a 10 year old! What should we do next ?

Add sufficient fish to start the cycling process and treat with kid gloves or get some mature filter media first and work from there?

Or is there another suggested solution?

Any help would be much appreciated

 

[djloach]

You should test to see if you have any nitrites or nitrates. If you have nitrites you aren't fully cycled yet. If you have nitrates that is a sign that your are cycled enough that your filter can handle the current bioload and you can add some more fish.

If you have a planted tank you need to remember that your plants will use up some of your ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. In well planted, understocked tanks it is possible to not find readings for any ammonia, nitrites or nitrates.

 

[tropicalisticism]

You should test to see if you have any nitrites or nitrates. If you have nitrites you aren't fully cycled yet. If you have nitrates that is a sign that your are cycled enough that your filter can handle the current bioload and you can add some more fish.

If you have a planted tank you need to remember that your plants will use up some of your ammonia, nitrites and nitrates. In well planted, understocked tanks it is possible to not find readings for any ammonia, nitrites or nitrates.

Cheers, just found im at .25ppm nitrites. I guess i need to wait on the cycling process to finish before i add more fish!