Tank Cycling

[AlexandraDanielle21]

Hey guys. I have a kinda stupid question for ya. When is your tank officially considered cycled? Is it when the ammonia and nitrite levels are at 0 and the nitrate levels are moderate? My 40 gallon tank has been up for a week now and the ammonia has lowered to below .25. What would the optimum levels be and how long should it take to get there? I am in the process of a fish-in cycle with 4 platies and two mollies. Will they be okay? I don't want any casualties.

 

[Bo-Gee]

My rule of thumb is that a tank is cycled when you get straight readings of 0 for ammonia and nitrite, and some readings for nitrates, for at least 5 days. After that, you can generally add fish, but I only add 2-4 at a time (per week) and keep up with water changes and testing. From my understanding, a tank is established after it has been up and running with perfect readings for about 2-3 months (this is important for fish that do not do well in newly cycled tanks - like loaches or corydoras). Anyone can jump in if I have said something wrong - this is based on my experience...and all has gone well so far!

 

[AlexandraDanielle21]

My rule of thumb is that a tank is cycled when you get straight readings of 0 for ammonia and nitrite, and some readings for nitrates, for at least 5 days. After that, you can generally add fish, but I only add 2-4 at a time (per week) and keep up with water changes and testing. From my understanding, a tank is established after it has been up and running with perfect readings for about 2-3 months (this is important for fish that do not do well in newly cycled tanks - like loaches or corydoras). Anyone can jump in if I have said something wrong - this is based on my experience...and all has gone well so far!

Thanks! That is great, and reaffirms what I was thinking so I think that you're right. Any suggestions for fish to match up with platies and mollies for the future?

 

[Bo-Gee]

I will let someone else comment there - my experiences lie with black skirt tetras and panda corydoras! Setting up a new tank can be so much fun - enjoy!

 

[AlexandraDanielle21]

I will let someone else comment there - my experiences lie with black skirt tetras and panda corydoras! Setting up a new tank can be so much fun - enjoy!

Thanks.