When is safe to add the fishes?

[Sandy29]

Hello! I have just set up a new 55gal thank with fresh water (last night). It is a pre-set kit from Wallmart with two 20-60 AquaTech Filters. I haven't decide what kind off fishes to add, tropical or cichlids (passive). When is save to add the fishes? Do I need a heater or is it ok here in Puerto Rico (warm tropical weather) not to have one? How mush gravel is ok?

[TankGirl]

Welcome to AA, Sandy!!

A good thing to do might be to start a fishless cycle (here is an article about this method: http://www.tomgriffin.com/aquamag/cycle2.html)
and while you are waiting for that to complete decide on what kind of fish to keep.

Cichlids are tropical, just often not considered community fish. There are exceptions, though, so you could consider mixing community fish with rams, angels, even kribensis.

In order for the water to be safe for the fish, it should be cycled, which means the presence in the tank of nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria (very beneficial bacteria that eats the waste from the fish and leftover food). Some people use fish to cycle the tank, in that the fish produce the waste and the bacteria slowly grows, but the fish has to endure the presence of toxic ammonia and nitrite before the cycle is complete, and some fish don't survive this. It's your call how you want to get the tank cycled, though, and we will help no matter what way you go.

I think a heater is a good idea, since maintaining a steady temp, without fluctuations at night versus daytime, is better for the fish, [acronym:3c3bd2bf7c="In my opinion"]IMO[/acronym:3c3bd2bf7c]. I know in the wild they do experience fluctuations, but I prefer to keep it steady.

Most people use a pound of gravel per gallon of water, just as a general starting point.

Good luck!

[Sandy29]

Thank you! What are the water parameters recommended in Ammonia, Nitrite, Ph, General Harness? Does are all or do I need to know more about the water?

[swanandmokashi]

Another parameter to check would be NitrAte.
I would recommend a heater. Also get a stick-on thermometer if the kit didn't come with it already.
I think fishless cycling is great, easy to do and I have considerable benefits after doing it.

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If you are a newbie and want to understand some newbie mistakes and solutions try my website at : http://www.swanandmokashi.com/Homepa.../Aquarium.aspx

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[Blackpearl]

You want ammonia and nitrite to be 0 for any tank.
[acronym:b844cc1924="power head or Measure of the concentration of hydrogen ions, depending on context"]PH[/acronym:b844cc1924], [acronym:b844cc1924="General Hardness"]GH[/acronym:b844cc1924], [acronym:b844cc1924="Carbonate Hardness"]KH[/acronym:b844cc1924] will depend on the type of fish you want to keep.

While waiting for the tank to cycle, you can start researching the fish profiles to find out which one you like and what kind of tank you'll have to provide for the fish.

Here are some links that provide fish profiles:
http://www.liveaquaria.com/
http://www.badmanstropicalfish.com/
and our own Fish and Plant Profile Forum
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/viewforum.php?f=26

Have fun in the hobby

[TankGirl]

Like mentioned above, ammonia and nitrite should be zero, which is what your parameters will be once you are cycled. Nitrate should be kept about 40 or under, though higher is not necessarily toxic. You keep nitrate down with water changes as your regular tank maintenance.

I would encourage you not to worry too much about pH and hardness, though it is a good idea to measure the pH, [acronym:49be4cab85="General Hardness"]GH[/acronym:49be4cab85] and [acronym:49be4cab85="Carbonate Hardness"]KH[/acronym:49be4cab85] of your tap water so you know what you have. Get fish from a [acronym:49be4cab85="Local Fish Store"]LFS[/acronym:49be4cab85] in your area that uses the same type water that you have, so the fish will be acclimated to it. Many fish available are very widely adaptable to variations in pH and hardness. Once you have more experience under your belt you can concern yourself with those parameters, but it is tricky to adjust pH, for one.

Post back with some of the fish that catch your eye, and we can help you with compatibility and whatnot