New fish tank

[Sernalex]

I I just finish setting up my 20 gallon tank and would like to know what I have to do to cycle my water? They told me at the pet store to leave it with out fish for at least one week?

[Link119]

The power of google and research... Fishless Cycling of the Aquarium

[T-man02]

i'd say at least a week and a half with constant water parameters.
if you don't mind me asking. what fish are you going to be keeping.
-welcome to the AA

[Nickie]

Yes that one week period is very important when setting up a new fish tank. After wards get the water tested to make sure it is fish friendly by just bringing in some water from your fish tank into a local pet store. And if you have anymore questions just let me know!

[Sernalex]

Well I wanted to put cichlid I want big pretty fish any advice on with what fishes I should go with!!?!?

[Mumma.of.two]

Welcome!
Letting the water sit or circulate in the tank for a week will NOT cycle a tank. Cycling is the process of growing bacteria in the filter to process the ammonia your fish produce. Without ammonia the cycle will not start.
You have two choices. Fish in or fishless. Here is some info on both so you can make up your mind which one suits you.
FISHLESS
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/articl...ing/Page1.html

FISH IN
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/articl...now/Page2.html

http://www.aquariumadvice.com/forums...de-176446.html

BEGINNERS GUIDE
http://www.aquariumadvice.com/articl...ium/Page1.html

[T-man02]

for a 'Big' fish like an oscar you will need a 100+ gallon tank

[Gillie]

In a 20 gallon you are limited to a dwarf species, Kribs are an easy colorful dwarf.

[gman42]

you could get rams eventually but that is when your tank is matured alot. maybe 6 months or so.
in the mean time a school of neons or any other schooling with would be nice.