When Can I Add Fish?

[laurac94]

Ive just set up my 55gal and im wondering when I can transfer some fish. I've put in completely new water (none from other tanks) but I've transfered over a filter and some bogwood straight from my mature tank. So im just wondered how long do I have to wait to put some fish in.

If I wait a while will the bacteria in my filter die because there is no ammonia going into the tank?

 

[Wills]

If you have added dechlorinated fresh water to the tank and then put a mature tank on it you need fish in there asap to keep the filters alive. If its new filters or new filter pads its a brand new cycle.
 
If this is the same one we were talking about how about moving the plecos over now as they will create a fair amount of waste that should help out
 
Wills

 

[Shelster]

How much have you taken from your running filter in mature tank? - you may need to keep a close eye on ammonia levels from tank where media has been taken to ensure all ok over the next few weeks.

I would add a few fish but this all depends on how much mature media you transferred over from the other tank. I would also test the results in the new tank two - three times a day with an api master test kit to ensure all is ok in this one.

Good luck.

 

[laurac94]

I've just moved over my sailfin pleco (big performance!) 13 inches of stressed out fish probably stronger than me! But hes in there now and found a hiding place behind a huge piece of slate. I put the other filter in my old tank about 3 months ago to get it to mature enough to transfer to my new tank ;-) the mature tank has 10x turnover per hour after I have taken this one out so it will be fine ;-) I have another filter still to be transfered tomorrow so that will add to the bacteria too..gotta go out soon.

And yep it's the same tank..and it's watertight lol ;-)

 

[Wills]

..and it's watertight lol ;-)

 
Allways a good thing I think adding the pleco is the best option - plenty of waste to keep the filter up till you get your cichlids
 
Just keep testing the water frequently to see if you get any spikes.
 
Wills

 

[laurac94]

Yep will do
Cheers!!