Wether My Fish Tank Is Ready For A Fish Or Not.

[ScalpCrabs]

Hi,
 
Im using a fluval chi 5 gallon aquarium. I've had fish in it before but decided to take a break after my last fish got snatched up by my cat. the tank had been running for about a year with fish in it. About 2 weeks ago i decided to bring it back up and running. i filled with decolorinated water and let it run for 2 weeks. I would like to know if it is ready to put fish in or there are more steps that i have to go through. the water is not cloudy, or anything. sorry if this sounds dumb, im new to the entire fish world.
 
thanks in advanced.

 

[Stimo]

need to cycle it properly i'm afraid http/www.fishforums.net/index.php?/topic/421488-cycling-your-new-fresh-water-tank-read-this-first/

also get yourself a good water test kit they are pretty cheap and will help you on your way ( try not to get test strips though less accurate than liquid test kits )

but if thats all you can afford its better than  nothing

 

[mrstwalker]

You probably need to still cycle it. You can take a sample to your local pet store and they will test the water for you. 

 

[Stimo]

You probably need to still cycle it. You can take a sample to your local pet store and they will test the water for you. 

i wouldn't advice this unless you can be totally sure of the readings etc .
i'm often seeing people on here do this with nothing but trouble

 

[eaglesaquarium]

Having water tested by the LFS is a good idea... there are a few keys though:
 
 
1 - If you haven't been adding any ammonia to the tank, then you will not be cycled and ready for fish, even if the numbers come back good.  (You need to provide ammonia for the bacteria to colonize the tank.
 
2 - If you have been adding ammonia, be sure to get the EXACT NUMBERS from the LFS not just a 'good' or 'bad'.  Ask them for SPECIFICS.
 
 
 
Finally, it is a good idea to buy your own test kit so that you know what you are doing with your cycle.  Please read the link provided by Stimo, and it will explain much of this to you, if not all.