How long before adding a fish?

[Atom75]

If my tank has just cycled, how long can i wait before adding my first fish before the bacteria in my tank starve? (or is this a myth)

I don't have any ammonia to dose the tank with and i can't get any, but i do have some newly mixed saltwater with low levels of ammonia in it (wasn't planning on using for anything else).

Should i do a water change with the saltwater that contains ammonia (.25ppm) to keep the bacteria alive/check my tank is cycled?

 

[MrOutCastX]

The bacteria will die eventually. It's just common science, without food, anything will die. I would add in the ammonia water, or you could just get some fish food and put a tiny bit in to decay. Fish food is what I've always used to cycle my tanks, but only a little bit.

 

[scooter31707]

I would not add no more than 2 fish. It's recommended to add your CUC first and feed them. It has been proven that bacteria can last up for a year without been feed. Last, freshly mixed saltwater should not contain any ammonia. Based off your statement, I pretty sure you are using API test kits which gives are known to give a false reading of 0.25ppm for the ammonia test.

 

[lespaul339]

Start off with one or two. Depending on your tank size. If it's a smaller tank I would start off with one.

 

[Atom75]

Start off with one or two. Depending on your tank size. If it's a smaller tank I would start off with one.

It's a super tiny 9 gallon. Only planning on starting with 1 fish, after adding a clean up crew

 

[Atom75]

freshly mixed saltwater should not contain any ammonia. Based off your statement, I pretty sure you are using API test kits which gives are known to give a false reading of 0.25ppm for the ammonia test.

I also found it strange that it tested .25ppm for ammonia because before adding the salt the water read 0 for ammonia. I am using the API kit so hopefully thats what it is.

What i don't understand is that when i tested some saltwater i bought from the LFS it came back as 0 for ammonia, with the same test kit.

 

[CarrieB]

Do you happen to have a cat? I've read that a litter box in the room can add ammonia to water.


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[Taahirs]

Do you happen to have a cat? I've read that a litter box in the room can add ammonia to water.


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Uhm... No.

That guy used his cat litter as substrate [emoji85][emoji85][emoji85][emoji85]. That's why he had high ammonia.

 

[CarrieB]

Not that one. LOL. There was a thread a while ago from a guy that was getting ammonia readings in his saltwater after it sat around for a while.

Makes sense. If you can smell the ammonia its airborne.


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