Ching

A week ago, I decided to adventure into the fishing department again. Two years ago, I tried it, but failed horribly. So wanting to do it right this time, I've done as much research as possible on how to start up my "new" tank. I've read that after pouring all the water into the tank, I should let it sit for a day to let the harmful metals evaporate and to let the chlorine to dissipate. I also put in some Tetra Aquasafe to help the process. After doing so, I should turn on the filter and wait another day or two?

I'm tempted to let the water stand for a day, turn on the filter for roughly 5-6 hours, then put in fishes. Would that be fine or would I be missing a critical process that occurs during the one-two days after turning on the filter? Any advice would be much appreciated =)

matt6765

Welcome to fishlore. you need to put some kind of declorinater into the water then wait a day

Ching

hmm, I put Aquasafe in it roughly a day ago, which supposedly helps get rid of chlorine and harmful metals. My plan was to buy fishes tomorrow. Would that be enough time in between?

matt6765

What kind of fish. Do you have a test kit?

Ching

Just some starter fish since my tank will have to go through the cycling process. & I don't currently have a test kit yet.

matt6765

before you get the fish you should have a test kit. Also you should think about getting some products like AmQuel+, or Prime

Ching

Thanks for the advice matt! Any idea about if filtering the water for only 5-6 hours beforehand will cause any problems though?

matt6765

What I would do is put water in tank..... then declorinate it...... then turn heater and filter on..... then wait 1 day put fish in

suemvb

Welcome to FishLore

Sorry you had problems with your tank the last time. You're in the right place for advice to help you be successful this time. It's good that you are doing your research first. Sorry, but you can't just wait a day or two and then add fish. Your fish don't stand much chance of surviving in an uncycled tank. check out this link with info on the nitrogen cycle.

http://www.fishlore.com/NitrogenCycle.htm

Ching

Did you wait any between de-chlorinating and turning the filter on?

By the way, the fish I'll be using will be fishes to start the cycling process for the post above.

matt6765

I disagree.... I have had a couple tanks and never did a fishless cycle

matt6765

no you can just turn your filter on

kimb

I don't think too many people would recommend cycling with fish, when you have a choice. Unless you have a product like Tetra Safe Start, if you begin your cycle with fish, you will have to do water changes every day just to keep the fish alive. You can use a piece of raw shrimp, pure ammonia or fish food to cycle the tank. It will take the same amount of time, but be much less stressful to both you and the fish. Please read up on the nitrogen cycle, and fishless cycling before adding any fish! Good Luck