How can I quickly cycle my tank and or get enough bb to introduce lots of fish at once

Hey, I am getting my first tank next month. It’s a heavily planted freshwater 260L (70 gallon) tank. LxWxH 120cm by 45cm c 66cm

5 honey gourami
3 Pearl gourami

15 cardinal tetra
10 rummynose tetra
10 silver tipped tetra
10 ember tetra
6 cherry barbs

8 julI Corydoras
8 panda Corydoras
2 German blue rams (a pair) * get once tank is stable
10 ottos * get once tank is stable
6 KuhlI loaches
8 sterbaI corydoras

I was hoping if you guys can answer 2 things for me.


1. How can I cycle my tank so that the bb is strong enough to handle a lot of fish introduced at once? I don’t really want to add only 1-3 individual fish at once as it will take forever. How do youtubers introduce 100s of fish at once?

2. How can I cycle my tank the fastest (fishless) without using bb from an already established tank? I saw a post about someone doing it in a week. How is this possible? But I still want to cycle it so that I can add most of my fish at once.

Thanks so much.

 

Well, the fastest way to cycle a tank would be using media from an already established tank hands down. Otherwise you'll want to look into quick cycle bacteria, I prefer TLC Quickstart Bacteria others might recommend API. These claim to cycle tanks in a weeks time and the TLC has always done that pretty well for me.

As far as those youtube videos go they are likely adding to an established tank or a tank made up of plants, decor, and media from an already established tank which will work better then most bacteria products. So you start the tank and let it cycle for a week, throw a betta in and they're probably good because the BB will be able to handle the waste 1 fish will make. Adding schooling fish, say like those tetras, will be a lot more for the BB to handle. If you add all those fish to a tank that isn't well cycled you'll be asking for trouble. The bacteria in the filter will not be able to keep up with the sudden amount of waste the fish are likely to produce. It's as good as having an ammonia spike from too much uneaten food.. but instead of having 40 uneaten food pellets you might have 40 little poops. At least the food takes a day or so to start breaking down into something gross and mushy.

I am always far too excited to set up another tank and populate it, but if it's your first tank do yourself a favor and take your time. Trust me, it'll work out better and you'll have a much more enjoyable result without risking any fish.

 

Your info says you do not know about the nitrogen cycle, was that a mistake? It seems you know about it so I am assuming that is a mistake. To start off, your tank is is very overstocked and you may run into some issues with the fish compatibility. Gouramis in general should not be kept with other gouramis. So I would choose either the honey or the pearl, I personal would do honey gouramis because they are more peaceful. The tetras seem fine except the ember tetras. They are so tiny compared to the other fish you have chosen, I would very concerned about bullying, them getting enough food, or them being scared and never coming out of hiding. The cherry barbs should be okay too. As for the corys, that is a lot of them. You would need to cut down to 2 separate schools of different kinds. Or one school of 15 or so corys. To help with you stocking. The ottos will be fine as long as you add them once the tank is stable. The blue rams and loaches should be fine, but the rams are another reason no to get the pearl gourami. Even if you got rid of the pear gourami, ember tetras, and one school of corys, you would still be a bit overstocked IMO. Hope this helped a bit!

Oops! don't know why it posted twice! As for the cycling, pick the hardiest fish you have and add those guys in first. Do 30% water changes as needed to keep ammonia down. The bb should build up well as long as you monitor your water. A 70g could handle a larger load than just a handful of fish.

 

Oops! don't know why it posted twice! As for the cycling, pick the hardiest fish you have and add those guys in first. Do 30% water changes as needed to keep ammonia down. The bb should build up well as long as you monitor your water. A 70g could handle a larger load than just a handful of fish.

True, the size of the tank will provide some wiggle room in possible condition changes. I would agree to add the biggest/hardiest fish first, then add the smaller stuff later. Very good points.

 

Thanks so much everyone - I’ll cut down on the Corys (remove the sterbai). Is there a way to cycle the tank to build really strong bacteria (if I were to add lots of ammonia say 7-8 ppm) when cycling would that allow me to add lots of fish at once? Also yes I do know about the nitrogen cycle. I think it’s fixed now . Are you guys saying I shouldn’t add the tetra first? Would you guys add the gourami first as they are biggest?

I’m really grateful about the comment on stocking. Because I felt like I was overstocked but when I punched it into aqa advisor it said it was okay and I was kinda confused.

 

Thanks so much everyone - I’ll cut down on the Corys (remove the sterbai). Is there a way to cycle the tank to build really strong bacteria (if I were to add lots of ammonia say 7-8 ppm) when cycling would that allow me to add lots of fish at once? Also yes I do know about the nitrogen cycle. I think it’s fixed now .

The problem with that is you have to build up the right amount of bacteria to accommodate the fish. Too little and you will still get an ammonia spike. Are you more interested in the fish-less cycle? Or would you prefer to do a fish in cycle? A fish in cycle can be risky but if you do it right it can actually be easier to build the bacteria up with the amount of fish you have in the tank. I have read that tetra safestart is a good thing to add a couple hours after adding new fish. Apparently it is supposed to 'instant' cycle the tank? Not too sure because I have never used it. If anyone else has used it then they can give you better advice.

 

Thanks so much everyone - I’ll cut down on the Corys (remove the sterbai). Is there a way to cycle the tank to build really strong bacteria (if I were to add lots of ammonia say 7-8 ppm) when cycling would that allow me to add lots of fish at once? Also yes I do know about the nitrogen cycle. I think it’s fixed now . Are you guys saying I shouldn’t add the tetra first? Would you guys add the gourami first as they are biggest?

I’m really grateful about the comment on stocking. Because I felt like I was overstocked but when I punched it into aqa advisor it said it was okay and I was kinda confused.

From what I've read, pushing ammonia towards the 8 ppm mark actually slows down/stops the bb from growing. So I recommend to keep it around 4 ppm max. Make sure you don't have plants in there when doing it...if you do have plants, keep ammonia around 1 ppm to avoid burning the plants.

 

Thanks so much everyone - I’ll cut down on the Corys (remove the sterbai). Is there a way to cycle the tank to build really strong bacteria (if I were to add lots of ammonia say 7-8 ppm) when cycling would that allow me to add lots of fish at once? Also yes I do know about the nitrogen cycle. I think it’s fixed now . Are you guys saying I shouldn’t add the tetra first? Would you guys add the gourami first as they are biggest?

I’m really grateful about the comment on stocking. Because I felt like I was overstocked but when I punched it into aqa advisor it said it was okay and I was kinda confused.

Yea aqadvisor can be okay...but they are not always 100% accurate. I always like to be slightly understocked to play it safe . Also do heavy research on the fish compatibility, aqadvisor doesn't always give details regarding that aspect of fish keeping (regarding the gouramis in this case). Research which fish are the hardiest and add those first. I have heard cardinals are hardy, honey gouramis are hardy, cherry barbs, and rummynose. I would start with those schools and see where you water parameters are.

 

Ok thanks everyone I didn’t know that too much ammonia was bad for the bb. I really am grateful for all the awesome info .

 

Yea aqadvisor can be okay...but they are not always 100% accurate. I always like to be slightly understocked to play it safe . Also do heavy research on the fish compatibility, aqadvisor doesn't always give details regarding that aspect of fish keeping (regarding the gouramis in this case). Research which fish are the hardiest and add those first. I have heard cardinals are hardy, honey gouramis are hardy, cherry barbs, and rummynose. I would start with those schools and see where you water parameters are.

I would agree with all of this, except I wouldn't call rummynose or cardinals hardy.

 

I would agree with all of this, except I wouldn't call rummynose or cardinals hardy.

I have heard they are hardy fish but that's also just my opinion. Which ones would you recommend tho?

 

I have heard they are hardy fish but that's also just my opinion. Which ones would you recommend tho?

I'm not exactly sure which fish were decided on for the final stocking list, but cories, loaches, cherry barbs, gourami, etc would be my recommendation. I have never had silver tip tetras so can't comment on their hardiness.

Also, OP, you know the cories will require cooler water (74ishF), correct? The sterbai's handle warmer water better.

 

So if my tank is fully cycled can I add all my fish? At once? I’m not too fussed about water parameters because my lfs shop has all freshwater fish in same water (which happens to be the exact same as what I’m planning. (26 degrees 7.9 ph) do you think this will be fine? Also ty for the help

 

If you add all the fish at once you will likely crash the cycle or cause a massive ammonia spike. It's best to add them little by little- 2-3 at a time and waiting a few days between.

 

If you add all the fish at once you will likely crash the cycle or cause a massive ammonia spike. It's best to add them little by little- 2-3 at a time and waiting a few days between.

Is this even with strong bb? If not, how can I get really strong bb strong enough to deal with lots of ammonia?

 

Is this even with strong bb? If not, how can I get really strong bb strong enough to deal with lots of ammonia?

It will build up more over time. As you slowly add fish the tank will adjust to the extra bioload. Even when your tank is technically cycled adding too many fish, and by extent too much bioload, will overwhelm the tank and crash it. At that point you're screwed and are going to lose a lot of fish. There is no reason to rush into anything, take your time and slowly add your fish starting with the hardiest. It's better for your fish and your wallet to take things slowly Plants, rocks, and generally more surfaces in your tank will help house more bb, helping cycle your tank faster and keep it more stable. Extra substrate can help a ton as well.

 

It will build up more over time. As you slowly add fish the tank will adjust to the extra bioload. Even when your tank is technically cycled adding too many fish, and by extent too much bioload, will overwhelm the tank and crash it. At that point you're screwed and are going to lose a lot of fish. There is no reason to rush into anything, take your time and slowly add your fish starting with the hardiest. It's better for your fish and your wallet to take things slowly Plants, rocks, and generally more surfaces in your tank will help house more bb, helping cycle your tank faster and keep it more stable. Extra substrate can help a ton as well.

Thanks, is gravel better in terms of supplying extra surfaces for bb?

Also what would be a good sort of guideline for introducing fish?

Also I’m wanting to make sure my lfs will have the fish in because there are a few that are meant to be there but are out of stock (and I would like to be able to ask to have them in all at once) don’t know if that affects timeline?

Also will the schooling/shoaling fish be okay if I only add say 4 at a time (just asking because I know they need to be in groups of 6)

Stocking
(might remove ember tetra, loaches and sterbaI corydoras I’ll see once I have the other fish in my tank)

5 honey gourami
3 Pearl gourami

15 cardinal tetra
10 rummynose tetra
10 silver tipped tetra
10 ember tetra
6 cherry barbs

8 julI Corydoras
8 panda Corydoras
2 German blue rams (a pair) * get once tank is stable
10 ottos * get once tank is stable
6 KuhlI loaches
8 sterbaI corydoras

Eg (would this be okay, could someone please give me what they would do?)

Day 1 (after completed cycle)

5 cardinal tetra

Day 3 5 cardinal tetra

Day 5 5 cardinal tetra

Day 7 5 rummynose tetra

Day 9 5 rummynose tetra

Day 11 4 panda corydoras

Day 13 4 panda corydoras

By this point could I add a whole group of say 10 silver tip tetra? Because I’ve heard they can get nippy if in too small a group.

 

With substrate do whatever is best for your plants and fish. With corys rough gravel is not gonna be so fun for them. But if you want gravel for your plants, just put a layer of sand over the gravel. It's more of if you add more substrate it will keep parameters in check a bit better.

As for spacing stocking I don't really know, the biggest tank I have right now is a 10 gallon, so I haven't run into that issue really. Probably add and keep an eye on parameters, make sure ammonia and nitrites are staying at 0. I will say, spacing out the tetras over a few days probably not gonna make much of a difference. You're splitting 10 into two groups not 200, just do them in one go 10 at a time. It's a 70 gallon 10 tetras don't have a large bioload compared to that size of a tank. Like others said, start with the hardiest fish first then go from there.

 

With substrate do whatever is best for your plants and fish. With corys rough gravel is not gonna be so fun for them. But if you want gravel for your plants, just put a layer of sand over the gravel. It's more of if you add more substrate it will keep parameters in check a bit better.

As for spacing stocking I don't really know, the biggest tank I have right now is a 10 gallon, so I haven't run into that issue really. Probably add and keep an eye on parameters, make sure ammonia and nitrites are staying at 0. I will say, spacing out the tetras over a few days probably not gonna make much of a difference. You're splitting 10 into two groups not 200, just do them in one go 10 at a time. It's a 70 gallon 10 tetras don't have a large bioload compared to that size of a tank. Like others said, start with the hardiest fish first then go from there.

Ok cool, would you / others recommend adding say a group of 10 tetra then wait a week before adding anything else?

 

You’re playing with fire and I’m sure you will lose fish and a lot of them if you move forward with this plan.
I have a 75 gallon tank heavily planted. I added driftwood, plants and ecocomplete. I let the tank run with snails only for 3 weeks. Now I’m adding 10 small fish per week up to about 100 fish. Many of my fish will be in the 0.75-1” range.
I personally think moving too fast is the biggest mistake you can make in this hobby.

 

Something that I haven't seen mentioned is are you planning on quarantining your fish? With such a large tank and so many fish, I would highly highly advise putting each new addition through a quarantine (typically 2-4 weeks, 4 weeks is pretty normal) One sick fish in your display tank could get all your fish sick, and some of your fish are pretty delicate so can't be treated as easily as others. If you are wanting to add larger amounts of fish at once, you will need a QT large enough to hold them comfortably as well.

 

Thanks for the replies. How can I make this safer for my fish? I really would like to limit losses. I am thinking about quarantining my fish. Would I cycle the quarantine Tank whilst I’m cycling my actual tank? Also could I add say 5 tetra to my actual tank and 5 in my quarantine so they’re both quarantining and splitting the ammonia? What’s a good size quarantine tank? 10 gallons?

Something that I haven't seen mentioned is are you planning on quarantining your fish? With such a large tank and so many fish, I would highly highly advise putting each new addition through a quarantine (typically 2-4 weeks, 4 weeks is pretty normal) One sick fish in your display tank could get all your fish sick, and some of your fish are pretty delicate so can't be treated as easily as others. If you are wanting to add larger amounts of fish at once, you will need a QT large enough to hold them comfortably as well.

Thanks, I’m thinking about a quarantine tank. What are some of those delicate fish? Is it the rams (I’m adding these last) and the ottos, is that all?

 

You seem very excited to get your tank up and running fast. Just some thoughts, but it's a good idea to take your time stocking and quarantine. I'm like you too, I want to do everything fast fast and right away. I hate waiting! For me it takes all my strength to hold back and be patient...but it's worth it. Considering your large stock list and how poor fish are in the hobby these days you are more than likely going to run into something. Atleast ich if nothing else. Sometimes it pays to be patient.

Any who, since that isn't what you asked I'll now actually offer advice on what you want. You should call your LFS and see if they will give or even sell you seeded media. It will instacycle your tank. How much fish you can load depends on how much seeded media you can get your hands on. The more the better! The colony will easily build from there and you skip the annoying waiting for a tank to cycle garbage that takes 6 weeks.

 

You seem very excited to get your tank up and running fast. Just some thoughts, but it's a good idea to take your time stocking and quarantine. I'm like you too, I want to do everything fast fast and right away. I hate waiting! For me it takes all my strength to hold back and be patient...but it's worth it. Considering your large stock list and how poor fish are in the hobby these days you are more than likely going to run into something. Atleast ich if nothing else. Sometimes it pays to be patient.

Any who, since that isn't what you asked I'll now actually offer advice on what you want. You should call your LFS and see if they will give or even sell you seeded media. It will instacycle your tank. How much fish you can load depends on how much seeded media you can get your hands on. The more the better! The colony will easily build from there and you skip the annoying waiting for a tank to cycle garbage that takes 6 weeks.

Awesome thanks so much? Would I just squeeze the juice from spounge filters into my tank? Or would I perhaps hook up one of their filters? If it were your tank how would you space out the introductions of fish?

 

Awesome thanks so much? Would I just squeeze the juice from spounge filters into my tank? Or would I perhaps hook up one of their filters? If it were your tank how would you space out the introductions of fish?

If you have a HOB filter, you would just stick their filter media in your filter.

Thanks, I’m thinking about a quarantine tank. What are some of those delicate fish? Is it the rams (I’m adding these last) and the ottos, is that all?

Not so much delicate when in a tank, but delicate when treating with meds. Scaleless fish (such as corydoras and pretty sure loaches are scaleless as well) are sensitive to most medication and aquarium salt. Most tetras are sensitive to aquarium salt as well.

Plants are also sensitive to salt and meds.

German blue rams have different temperature requirements than other fish, preferring 80F+, a lot of people keep them at 82F.

Panda cories prefer low to mid 70s. Keeping fish at the upper or lower temperature range for them will likely shorten their life and make them more susceptible to illness.

Are you planning on the tank being heavily planted BEFORE adding the fish?

If so (you will have it HEAVILY planted before adding fish), and you have the tank cycled properly (if you cycle after planting, I believe I read something about the plants eating the ammonia before it can help establish BB, I'd look more into that), I don't see a problem with adding say 10 tetras at one time (after QT'ing, I'd recommend a 20 gallon long for the size). Test the water daily after adding the fish, and watch for any sort of spike. Get new fish into the QT tank, once they finish QT'ing you can add them in. Having to QT sets of fish at one time will help space out the new fish additions.

What is your current final stocking plan? What temperature are you planning on keeping the tank at? What plants and substrate are you planning?

 

Awesome thanks so much? Would I just squeeze the juice from spounge filters into my tank? Or would I perhaps hook up one of their filters? If it were your tank how would you space out the introductions of fish?

You would just take the media and use it in your filter. All the bacteria is in that spongue, not really in the juices. For instance, if they gave you a spongue the same size as your current filter spongue. You would just not use that new spongue and put that dirty spongue direct into your filter. Stocking depends on how much of that seeded material you get. If you get a small piece from a 2.5 gallon betta tank that isn't going to do much. If you get a spongue from a huge tank with lots of fish that spongue will be loaded with good bacteria and you could atleast start off your tank with a larger dump of fish.

 

Adding lots of fish at one go is very risky. Fast growing floating plants or putting pothos can help to suck up some of the ammonia, but it is dependent on the health and growth of the plant. Prime can lock up some ammonia for 24 hours but is also not sustainable without an established filter.

 

Not so much delicate when in a tank, but delicate when treating with meds. Scaleless fish (such as corydoras and pretty sure loaches are scaleless as well) are sensitive to most medication and aquarium salt. Most tetras are sensitive to aquarium salt as well.

Plants are also sensitive to salt and meds.

German blue rams have different temperature requirements than other fish, preferring 80F+, a lot of people keep them at 82F.

Panda cories prefer low to mid 70s. Keeping fish at the upper or lower temperature range for them will likely shorten their life and make them more susceptible to illness.

Are you planning on the tank being heavily planted BEFORE adding the fish?

If so (you will have it HEAVILY planted before adding fish), and you have the tank cycled properly (if you cycle after planting, I believe I read something about the plants eating the ammonia before it can help establish BB, I'd look more into that), I don't see a problem with adding say 10 tetras at one time (after QT'ing, I'd recommend a 20 gallon long for the size). Test the water daily after adding the fish, and watch for any sort of spike. Get new fish into the QT tank, once they finish QT'ing you can add them in. Having to QT sets of fish at one time will help space out the new fish additions.

What is your current final stocking plan? What temperature are you planning on keeping the tank at? What plants and substrate are you planning?

Hey thanks so much, sorry I have taken awhile to respond, I was helping prepare lunch for my family .

Addressing your questions about stocking and water temp.

My lfs has the exact same water parameters for all their tanks (and also what happens to be what my tank was/will be)

Temp 25-26 Celsius 76-78 Fahrenheit

Ph 7.8-9

So I am hoping the pandas and rams will be fine.

In terms of stocking these are what in an ideal world I’m hoping for (but if the tank looks to crowded I won’t add anymore)

Hence why I’m eager to put in whole groups of species.

Also often pandas Corys, KuhlI loaches and cherry barbs don’t often come into stock. So I was hoping to ask them to order them in and pick them all up together .

Stocking

5 honey gourami
3 Pearl gourami

15 cardinal tetra
10 rummynose tetra
10 silver tipped tetra
10 ember tetra
6 cherry barbs

8 julI Corydoras
8 panda Corydoras
2 German blue rams (a pair) * get once tank is stable
10 ottos * get once tank is stable
6 KuhlI loaches
8 sterbaI corydoras

In this list if anything has to go it will be KuhlI loaches and ember tetra. Also probably sterbaI corydoras (but haven’t seen them in store yet - but there is a tank labeled with them meant to be in there - so hoping to see them in flesh before righting them out. This is same story for KuhlI loaches.

I’ll add the German ram pair last as Iv heard they need well established water.

How can I make sure the ottos survive as I think they’re rlly cute - iv heard they die easily, how can I take steps to prevent this?

Also I personally love the look of silver tip tetra but I’m the store they look really dull .do you know if they will brighten up once in my tank?

Also are you saying that if I heavily planted my tank it will slow the cycling of my tank? Or are you saying that it will help stop ammonia spikes when introducing fish?

Basically I don’t want it to take all year to setup my final tank. Iv been waiting for what feels like forever and I can’t even start to start my cycle or design my tank irl until 15 February because I’m moving house. Also I’m new to this and it’s my first tank (other than a goldfish when I was like 8), sorry if my decisions seem uniformed or rash.

I would just like some advice to the sort of timeline you would do things at.

And also ways to strengthen my bb when cycling my tank (still want it to be fast) so that I can limit the ammonia spike when adding fish .

Also will the bb be strong if I use filter cartridges from the lfs (could it bring disease?)

Also what things would you put into the tank water when cycling tank?

Also I was thinking a gravel substrate that could help give plants nutrients. But I’m concerned about it for the KuhlI loaches and Corys. Is sand bad - I heard it can explode and also cause lots of ammonia to burst up killing my fish - which I want to avoid.

I’m not too sure about plants - do you have any suggestions - I was thinking java fern and Anubis and amazon swords - also maybe a floating plant.

Sorry this is long thanks for the help

You would just take the media and use it in your filter. All the bacteria is in that spongue, not really in the juices. For instance, if they gave you a spongue the same size as your current filter spongue. You would just not use that new spongue and put that dirty spongue direct into your filter. Stocking depends on how much of that seeded material you get. If you get a small piece from a 2.5 gallon betta tank that isn't going to do much. If you get a spongue from a huge tank with lots of fish that spongue will be loaded with good bacteria and you could atleast start off your tank with a larger dump of fish.

Awesome that sounds really promising . Would I still put in ammonia as usual (for a fishless cycle) to cycle? Also I’m using the vision 260 Juwel bowfront tank kit. The heater is built into the filter. Will that stop me from using established filters to getting the bb?

Adding lots of fish at one go is very risky. Fast growing floating plants or putting pothos can help to suck up some of the ammonia, but it is dependent on the health and growth of the plant. Prime can lock up some ammonia for 24 hours but is also not sustainable without an established filter.

Ok thanks . So floating plants ruin the plants beneath them? Due to stopping the light?

Adding lots of fish at one go is very risky. Fast growing floating plants or putting pothos can help to suck up some of the ammonia, but it is dependent on the health and growth of the plant. Prime can lock up some ammonia for 24 hours but is also not sustainable without an established filter.

What’s pothos?

You seem very excited to get your tank up and running fast. Just some thoughts, but it's a good idea to take your time stocking and quarantine. I'm like you too, I want to do everything fast fast and right away. I hate waiting! For me it takes all my strength to hold back and be patient...but it's worth it. Considering your large stock list and how poor fish are in the hobby these days you are more than likely going to run into something. Atleast ich if nothing else. Sometimes it pays to be patient.

Any who, since that isn't what you asked I'll now actually offer advice on what you want. You should call your LFS and see if they will give or even sell you seeded media. It will instacycle your tank. How much fish you can load depends on how much seeded media you can get your hands on. The more the better! The colony will easily build from there and you skip the annoying waiting for a tank to cycle garbage that takes 6 weeks.

Thanks so much for the advice - I’ll do this . Is there a risk of illness coming from lfs (my lfs looks rlly clean and healthy. So hopefully not) and do you think it’s worth risk?

 

Ok thanks . So floating plants ruin the plants beneath them? Due to stopping the light?

Floating plants can be a temporary measure to reduce ammonia spikes. It is possible to bundle them up and put them a corner where they don't restrict lights to plants below. Gradually remove the floating plants as the tank gets established.

What’s pothos?

Pothos (or Money plant) roots can be grown in water with the leaves sticking out. They help to suck up nutrients in water column as they grow fast. See an example I found online.

 

Floating plants can be a temporary measure to reduce ammonia spikes. It is possible to bundle them up and put them a corner where they don't restrict lights to plants below. Gradually remove the floating plants as the tank gets established.

Thanks

Pothos (or Money plant) roots can be grown in water with the leaves sticking out. They help to suck up nutrients in water column as they grow fast. See an example I found online.
View attachment 648861

Also could I add a female opaline gourami (are they aggressive?)

 

Also could I add a female opaline gourami (are they aggressive?)

I wouldn't mix a single Three Spot with the other Gourami

 

Awesome that sounds really promising . Would I still put in ammonia as usual (for a fishless cycle) to cycle? Also I’m using the vision 260 Juwel bowfront tank kit. The heater is built into the filter. Will that stop me from using established filters to getting the bb?

No, media in all filters is always removable. They generally come with spongues, bio media and a chemical media. Depending on what type of media you obtain you could just add it along with the stock media in your filter (if it fits) or swap it out. A spongue can be cut to fit whatever size and if they give you bio media you could just add it in the same compartment as the stock filter bio media.

You don't need ammonia, the fish you buy will be the source of ammonia once in there.

 

No, media in all filters is always removable. They generally come with spongues, bio media and a chemical media. Depending on what type of media you obtain you could just add it along with the stock media in your filter (if it fits) or swap it out. A spongue can be cut to fit whatever size and if they give you bio media you could just add it in the same compartment as the stock filter bio media.

You don't need ammonia, the fish you buy will be the source of ammonia once in there.

Awesome - how do I know of the bb from the lfs is working enough to sustain my fish?

How can I make sure the ottos survive as I think they’re rlly cute - iv heard they die easily, how can I take steps to prevent this?

Also I personally love the look of silver tip tetra but I’m the store they look really dull .do you know if they will brighten up once in my tank?

If I do get the bb from the lfs (which I’m really hoping I will) how long until it’s safe to add fish? How can I test for this? And can I add a lot of fish at once doing this?

 

Awesome - how do I know of the bb from the lfs is working enough to sustain my fish?

If it's an established tank it will work. You will need test kits, like API master kit to test your ammonia, nitrites, nitrates and PH. It's also good to pick up the KH/GH test that's not in the master kit. You'll want to test after adding fish each time. If you have a huge spike of ammonia or nitrites then you know you added too many.

 

If it's an established tank it will work. You will need test kits, like API master kit to test your ammonia, nitrites, nitrates and PH. It's also good to pick up the KH/GH test that's not in the master kit. You'll want to test after adding fish each time. If you have a huge spike of ammonia or nitrites then you know you added too many.

So should I add the lfs bb after my tank is cycled? Also if there is a huge spike of ammonia / nitrites what should I do to fix it? As to not kill all my fish I just introduced?

 

I think you're jumping in WAY over your head. Start small, work towards what you want.

Youll DEFINITELY want to quarantine ALL your fish after the initial batch are put in (you might want to quarantine them too so you don't introduce something into the main tank that stops you from stocking it). Id start by adding one batch of Tetras (doesn't matter which). Id ALSO get a second batch ready in a quarantine tank. After 3 weeks if they look good, Id get ANOTHER batch of fish in quarantine. A week later if the first batch are fine, add them (its now been a month since the initial stocking and you're adding your second batch of fish). Now in a week or two get ANOTHER batch in quarantine and continue adding your stock this way until its complete. Its going to take about a year or so to get them all in there.

Also, skip the GBR's, they want much warmer water than your other fish.

Id start with the Tetras, then either continue adding the other Tetras or rotate some of your bottom dwellers. All the fish listed should get along for the most part, so no worries there. Id add the Gouramis last, with the Pearls being the last thing in since they get quite large. You don't want adult sized Pearls with baby Tetras (although Pearls are peaceful the size difference would be too risky).

As for BB, cycling, ammonia spikes, etc., if you set the tank up and add 10 baby Tetras, you shouldnt have to worry about this. Theyll start the cycle and any small spikes that might happen can be easily dealt with through a water change. Having Prime on hand will help too, but water changes are the best solution. You go this route and add the stock over time and you'll be okay. You try to set up a tank with half of what you have listed all at once and you'll have some serious problems.

 

I think you're jumping in WAY over your head. Start small, work towards what you want.

Youll DEFINITELY want to quarantine ALL your fish after the initial batch are put in (you might want to quarantine them too so you don't introduce something into the main tank that stops you from stocking it). Id start by adding one batch of Tetras (doesn't matter which). Id ALSO get a second batch ready in a quarantine tank. After 3 weeks if they look good, Id get ANOTHER batch of fish in quarantine. A week later if the first batch are fine, add them (its now been a month since the initial stocking and you're adding your second batch of fish). Now in a week or two get ANOTHER batch in quarantine and i

Also, skip the GBR's, they want much warmer water than your other fish.

Id start with the Tetras, then either continue adding the other Tetras or rotate some of your bottom dwellers. All the fish listed should get along for the most part, so no worries there. Id add the Gouramis last, with the Pearls being the last thing in since they get quite large. You don't want adult sized Pearls with baby Tetras (although Pearls are peaceful the size difference would be too risky).

As for BB, cycling, ammonia spikes, etc., if you set the tank up and add 10 baby Tetras, you shouldnt have to worry about this. Theyll start the cycle and any small spikes that might happen can be easily dealt with through a water change. Having Prime on hand will help too, but water changes are the best solution. You go this route and add the stock over time and you'll be okay. You try to set up a tank with half of what you have listed all at once and you'll have some serious problems.

Thanks, I really appreciate your help.

 

I would agree with everyone saying take it slow. I just started my tank on November 16th. I wish I wouldn't have been so anxious. I wish I would have waited longer before adding my second species of fish. You might lose a lot of fish by being overly anxious and that might be discouraging to you.

I remember getting my first CPU back in the 90's and my brother saying welcome to the frustrating world of CPU's. Right now I am kind of feeling that with fish. I am trying my best to do everything like everyone suggests and still losing a few fish.

 

Only thing I can try to help with is the gouramis. If you are going to go ahead and mix them, just keep a close eye for any aggression. They can be temperamental fish and 8 in a single tank could cause stress. Make sure you get more females than males for both kinds as well. Fish tanks are definitely a game of patience as others have said, it takes me more than a dozen visits to the pet store to complete a single tank lol. Add the otos last because they are sensitive.

 

Only thing I can try to help with is the gouramis. If you are going to go ahead and mix them, just keep a close eye for any aggression. They can be temperamental fish and 8 in a single tank could cause stress. Make sure you get more females than males for both kinds as well. Fish tanks are definitely a game of patience as others have said, it takes me more than a dozen visits to the pet store to complete a single tank lol. Add the otos last because they are sensitive.

Thanks I was thinking 1 m 2 f for the pearls and for honeys I was under impression that it didn’t matter but I’ll do 2 m 3 f. I thought that these Gouramis weren’t aggressive, have you had aggressive behaviour?

Another question about the cycling - if I put in bb from my lfs (via a filter cartridge I think..?) how do I know when my cycle is done? Do I have to add it after my cycle?