Quick Question On My New Tank Cycling, Plz Help

[xaznxeclipsex]

Hi,
Over the weekend I purchased a new 36 Gallon tank for a fresh water setup. I am a noobie. I filled it with 30lbs of gravel, got heater and set the water temp to 78 degree, got 2 - Marinelife Pengiun 200 filters w/ bio wheel. I dechlorinated the water with tap water conditioner, I also added 30ml of stress enzyme (live bacteria) and then added 1 Gouramis. My question : Is 1 Gouramis enough for tank cycling? I also have a beta in a beta bowl, should i borrow my beta and put him in the new tank to help cycling? If so would the Gouramis and betta kill each other? I plan on added another 30ml of stress enzyme on the 7th and 14th day. I ran out of money in buying a water test kit ,but i will bring water to the pet store to have tested after 30 days.

Anymore hints and tips would be great ! I hope my tank will be a success !

 

[xostrawberryox]

Most people like to fishless cycle before adding any fish as its safer. Read the top post on the pinned topics at the top of the page for more info

 

[xaznxeclipsex]

Yes, I am sorta doing fishless cycle but dont have used media. I am using that bacteria in a bottle stuff and hope the Gouramis can produce enough ammonia to keep the bacteria alive. Please advise.

 

[xostrawberryox]

Id say leave it as it is, keep on testing your water daily and watch out for too much ammonia or nitrate cos ur fish wont be very happy. Water changes if you find bad water quality. Give it a while of monitoring your water stats and writing them down so you can monitor any changes and let your filter settle down and when you are confident with the consistent water levels add more fish

 

[chiqui_baby]

You have a fairly big tank and only 1 fish in it so this will take awhile. Since you have a fish you can't really do anything like put ammonia in the tank. Maybe ask where you got the fish for some gravel from one of their tanks? That will speed the process. Most bottled bacteria are useless and I've only found 1 that consistently works so make sure you get advice from someone who's used your product. Don't stick the betta in and be patient because this takes awhile but you're doing well. 36 gallons is a lot to fill up with levels toxic enough to harm your fishy, but monitor your levels and continue to do partial water changes and keep us posted! Your patience will pay off and your gourami can be very happy. I went to an LFS and got 2 fish to cycle my tank before I knew anything about fishkeeping and they are fine as long as you DON'T let ammonia build up and keep a tight watch on nitrIte and ammonia levels. Stay positive and keep posting!

 

[xaznxeclipsex]

Hey thanks for the help, I didnt find out about fishless cycling in time, so I bought 1 fish. I'll probably pick up some Dianos later to help out the cycling. I see that water test kits are expensive. One question, I have 2 - Marinelife pengiun 200 filter, I used the extention thing that sucks the water in, would it make a difference if i removed the extention to shorten it up for better looks?

 

[Kiwigirl]

Stress enzyme from I have been told has not been proven.(is meant to speed up the cycle).

A lot of people recommend BioSpira, (kicks start the cycle)

It will take a longer time with one fish to cycle your tank.

Yes the master test kits can be expensive, but they more than pay for them selves.

I you have budget constraints, perhaps it may easier if you got one kit at a time. The ammonia first as this is the first to rise, then the nitrite kit as the ammonia gets converted into nitrite, then get the nitrate kit.
You also need ph kit. I do stress in the long run it will be cheaper to get the master kit, straight up.
If you decide to get one kit at a time, get you supplier to test your tank water for the others.

Keep us posted on your progress.

 

[chiqui_baby]

I agree with Kiwi girl. Liquid tests are worth it. Your big tank means you will have a lot of waiting time, but remember that adding too many fish can stress them out as the ammonia and then nitrite rise. I would recommend being patient, asking for some gravel at local fish stores you trust and investing in the tests at least for ammonia so you know when to do water changes and don't kill your fish or stress them out.

As for the filter, I don't have experience with that kind, but you could maybe put some plants in front of it (not under it) to block them from view? That's what I have in my tank and you can't even tell there's a filter there. And the fish love the hiding spots. Good luck!

 

[xaznxeclipsex]

What kinda of fish and how many do you guys recommend for my 36 Gallon?

 

[xaznxeclipsex]

What kinda of fish and how many do you guys recommend for my 36 Gallon?

Sorry, I ment to ask, how many and what type of fish i should get to complete this cycling process for my 36 gallon tank. Thanks !

 

[xaznxeclipsex]

Since I dont know how to edit my 1st post, ill add pictures for views here, my new tank and just my 1 Guiramis.

 

[Kiwigirl]

You mentioned a betta in a earlier post, sorry I missed this, my mistake.

You have all the bacteria you need in the betta bowl.

Filter media is best, but some established substrate will do, put it in a net.