Emmy

hello again,

ammonia: 0
nitrite: 0
nitrate: 5-10

i guess that means it's cycled yayyyy celebrate! at some point in the next few days i plan to get 4 corys. i have a few questions... ok, a lot!

-should i do a water change before adding the corys?

-how often should i do water changes now?

-do i just add prime every time i do a water change?

-how often should i test the water (considering the addition of new fish over the next while) and do i only need to test for nitrates now?

-what is a normal nitrate level?

-what should i watch for in the filter to indicate the need for a filter change and when can i expect to have to do this?

one last question, sorry...

-it's been only guppies in my tank for the past 3 months. should i expect a little aggression to be shown to their new tank mates? i am selecting fish that are easygoing but maybe the gups will be a little resentful of having to share their space?

thanks for your time

Llama

Less than 10 Nitrate is pretty good, so you won't really need the water change.

Now just water change 20% or so every week.

Testing the water for Ammonia or Nitrites is only needed if you see the fish acting weird. It'll otherwise stay at 0. You can check the Nitrates before each water change to see if its really needed.

You'll notice you need to clean the filter because it'll be all black with grime Remember, clean filter in TANK water -NOT- tap water.

Shawnie

for a new tank, id do the following

I would let the tank sit for 2 weeks testing once a week to make sure you have 0 - 0 - under 20..then add maybe 3 cories wait 2 weeks then add 3 more ...cories are super sensitive to new tanks so an established cycle for 2 weeks or more should be good

no on the water changes before adding any fish..the tanks perfect unless you used food source to cycle.. then just use a turkey baster to get up any leftovers

water changes on a fresh cycled tank should be small amounts once a week unless the parimeters are going out of wack...

a good nitrate level would be under 20 (thats safe)

filter changes are very seldome...once a year maybe...but rinsing the filter media in tank water removed from the tank is good once a month..but dont overdue it...if you arent overstocked or over feeding, there shouldnt be much in there

Emmy

thanks very much!!

i'm just a little unclear. i have 3 guppies, i want to add 4 corys, then down the line 6 neons. i know corys enjoy schools of 3 or more. i'd like to add 4 corys tomorrow. is that going to throw the cycle off? and will 4 new corys make the 3 gups feel threatened?

Shawnie

I wouldnt worry about the guppies being threatned as much as cories dont do well usually in a newly cycled tank...id worry more about the cories not handling a new tank... id add the neons first but only after 2 weeks of 0 - 0 - under 20....even tho its cycled, it wont take much to throw it off balance seeing how its so newly done ..but thats just my opinion