jdhef

I have a 36 gallon FW Aquarium that is in the final stages of cycling. Once it is finished cycling I want to start off with a school of 5 or 6 Boseman Rainbows.

I have read that when adding schooling fish, that they should all be added at the same time. But I am fearful that adding 5 or 6 all at once will be too much bioloading, leading to another tank cycling.

So should I add them all at once or maybe just add three at first and another 3 a few weeks later.

Thanks
John

Shawnie

Hi john...I would do your second choice...add 3 then wait a couple weeks and add 3 more..just to play it safe..congrats on the cycle completion!!!!! goodluck

lalynya

Hurray I LOVE bosemani..I have two females and they are great..good luck with the fish

jdhef

Thanks guys...er I mean gals.

John

capekate

Hi JD
Even tho Boesmani are schooling fish, I believe you do not have to worry about adding them all at once. These fish are so peaceful they easily welcome more into their fold. I have had a lot of different rainbows and still have a few left. They never had any problems with new additions to the tank at any time.
With that, I would only add 2, 3 at the most at a time to make sure your tank does not go through a mini cycle.

jdhef

Thanks Kate. That was my biggest concern, that added Rainbows wouldn't be accepted by the origional group.

Any thoughts on how long to wait before adding a second group?

John

capekate

Hi John.
since your tank is just at the end of cycling, I would only add 2 rainbows in a 10 day period. Let your beneficial bacteria grow to the point it can handle the adding fish/ ammonia. Then you can add another 2 after the ten days, I would take a water test and see where you are. If you have zero ammonia, then you can add the next two.
If your tank was already cycled for awhile I would chance adding three a week. But since it is a newly cycled tank, that is why I would personally go with only two.

jdhef

Great Kate...sounds like a plan!

Thanks alot,
John