Quick question re: end of fishless cycle

[Gatewaylabs]

Okay - I believe I'm finally done with my fishless cycle (took about a month). Past 2 days have dosed up to 4 ppm with ammonia, then measuring the following day (yesterday morning and this morning), ammonia and nitrites are both zero and this morning nitrates were quite high - like 40+ ppm. I did a ~90% water change a bit ago, added some Prime, and hope to add fish tomorrow.

Now my question - do I need to add a touch of ammonia today to keep the bacteria alive after the pwc? I have a 55-gallon tank - how many fish should I put in there - in the past have had the typical danios and tetras, plus angelfish and a few bottom-feeders.

Thanks!

 

[librarygirl]

If you're gettting fish tomorrow I'd wouldn't bother dosing ammonia. The bacteria will be fine for a day or two without food. Be sure to turn down the temp if you've had it increased for the cycle.

The good thing about a fishless cycle is that you can pretty much add your stock at once. You could add half the stock and then wait a week and add the other half. If you wait too long though the bacteria will adjust down to the fish level so you'll lose some bacteria.

 

[Mrs.h2012]

Okay - I believe I'm finally done with my fishless cycle (took about a month). Past 2 days have dosed up to 4 ppm with ammonia, then measuring the following day (yesterday morning and this morning), ammonia and nitrites are both zero and this morning nitrates were quite high - like 40+ ppm. I did a ~90% water change a bit ago, added some Prime, and hope to add fish tomorrow.

Now my question - do I need to add a touch of ammonia today to keep the bacteria alive after the pwc? I have a 55-gallon tank - how many fish should I put in there - in the past have had the typical danios and tetras, plus angelfish and a few bottom-feeders.

Thanks!

I just got my 55g set up Friday in it I have 4 rams, peppered cories and platys, 1 balloon Molly and albino pleco, 5 bronze cories and 6 serpae tetras. According to aqadvisor I'm at a 94% stocking level.

 

[Hholly]

To OP, you can add a pinch of fish food to keep them fed. Good going on the fishless cycle. Have fun!