nickymaran25

I have a 40 gallon tank. I set it up; 1 pound substrate per gallon, air pump connected to a bubble bar and one small bubble stone. The filter is actually recommened for up to a 75 gallon tank, 200 watt heater, lighted hood, some plastic plants, and two decoration thingys for hiding (when I get fish that actually hide). I filled the tank and dechlorinated it. Then I put in the heater and let it do its business and basically let the tank sit with the filter going for about 4 days before doing anything else with it. Got a submersible test kit, pH 7 and obviously no ammonia yet. I read over and over on the internet about cycling and fish vs fishless cycling. Came to the conclusion that the "natural" or fish cycling would be best. Purchased 5 Giant Danios and have them in the tank for about 4 days now. Did not feed them the first day that they were in the tank. Now have been feeding them very lightly (freeze dried blood worms, and flakes) I noticed last night and checked again this morning, and the ammonia levels have slightly increased. The color code is at caution. After reading about the cycle, I am under the impression that the ammonia levels are expected to rise and once everything gets going then ammonia eating bacteria come into effect and break it down. I'm just wondering how I'm doing on this so far. Also, I have put in the activated carbon pads when I put the fish in - is this okay?

Lucy

Welcome to FishLore
Being it's only been 4 days, you're in the beginning stages of the cycle.

It's highly recommended to do daily water changes in order to keep the ammonia down for the sake of your fish. If you use Prime as your water conditioner, it'll detox the ammonia for 24hrs making it safer for your fish.
It will still be available to the bacteria and your test will still pick it up.
The ammonia and nitrites will reach toxic levels. This will weaken your fish leaving them open to disease, illness and even death.
Cycling with fish is going to take longer than cycling without because you're removing the ammonia (through water changes) the bacteria needs to develop. However, if you want to try and keep your fish healthy water changes are a must.

What test kit are you using? The liquid tests such as the API Master Kit is much more reliable than strips.
Adding the carbon is fine.

Good luck and post some pics when you can

nickymaran25

I am using "livemeter master test kit" It tests ph and NH3 with a liquid crystal thermometer. Would it be okay to cycle with these fish and use something like stress zyme?

Lucy

I'd avoid (and have) Stress Zyme. It's one of those additives that claim to help cycle the tank but in my experience, really doesn't help at all. Most bacterial additives contain the wrong kind of bacteria. It dies off quickly never allowing the correct bacteria to grow.

One product many member have had luck using is Tetra SafeStart, If you do a search on forum, you'll find several threads about it. Be care because there are several products with similar sounding names.

I'd still suggest getting a good liquid test kit. You'll want to test for nitrites and nitrates as well as ammonia.

nickymaran25

Thank you, very helpful. How frequent would you change the water, I am in the process of doing it now. Aside from that, does it sound like normal start up tank behavoir, and am I on the right track?

Lucy

I'd change out 50% daily provided you pH is the same from tap to tank.
Aside from that, yes, it looks like you're right on track.
Very simply the cycle will go like this:
Ammonia-->NitrItes-->NitrAtes.
Be patient, it takes time.

jdhef

For the sake of your fish you should do a 40-50% water change everyday until the tank cycles completely. And as Lucy mentioned previously, use "Prime" as your water conditioner. Sadly cycling with fish can take up to 6 weeks or more, and daily water changes for 6 weeks can really take a lot of the fun out of fish keeping.

If you can find it, I would highly recommend getting the Tetra SafeStart that Lucy had mentioned. With SafeStart you just add it to your tank, wait 7-10 days and your tank should be fully cycled.

Good luck

nickymaran25

Alright, I tested with two types of ammonia test, one strip which says I am in the safe zone 0 ammonia, and then a liquid test that showed .02. I tested for nitrites which was also at 0. i changed about 20% of the water, and am in the process of refilling with conditioned water. Where do you think that puts me?
Also when I change water I use a method like this - siphon out the water, then fill a 5 gallon bucket with new conditioned water similiar to the temp in the tank and then siphon that back into the tank - what do you think?

Lucy

Your tank is only a few days old, it's going to take a few weeks before the first bacteria to start to develop.
You're right on track.
Thats how I change the water too. You'll also want to do light gravel vacs to pick up waste and left over food.

nickymaran25

That is very good to hear. Thank you so much, I'm sure I'll have more questions later. It's a lot of fun reading all over this site and learning about different types of maintence and odds and ends. Then I get to come home and tell all about what I learned and try to teach everyone else in the house ( I think they get bored with it after awhlie) While my tank is cycling I am trying figure out what fish to stock with. Currently I have the Danios, but I might take them back to the LFS. I have liked the looks of the Firemouth Cichlid - I've read a few threads on here on what I could put with it, I'm not for sure if I want to go with a community tank or more of a species tank....decisions decisions.

Lucy

We're glad you're enjoying the forum. I agree, it's a lot of fun to read about others experiences.
My family is tired of hearing about fish too so I can relate. lol
It's hard to decide what to stock, that's why so many of us end up with so many tanks.

aquarist48

Hello Nicky. Welcome to Fish Lore. Lucy has you covered with great information and tips. Have fun and enjoy the site. Be patient and keep up with your water changes. It will get easier in time, once your tank has cycled.
Best wishes!
Ken

flyin-lowe

Just to get you prepared I will let you know I am cycling a tank with fish. I have 6 skirted tetras. It is almost 5 weeks now and I am still in the first stage of cycling. Ammonia gets up to about .50 and I do a water change. I have still not had any positive test for nitrites. I have been reluctant to use and chemicals such as tetra safe start, but if you are wanting the tank to cycle before the end of the year you might have to try something else besides just the fish. Do you have any friends with a tank that you trust? If so you could try some of there substrate or filter media that is already established. If you are a patient person you will be fine, if not it is going to be a long winter.

As said above a liquid test kit is a must to keep up with the cycle.

jdhef

I'm with you on avoiding chemicals whenever possible, but Tetra SafeStart is not a chemical. It is just a bottle of the naturally occuring bacteria that developes in your tank.