I know everybody is yelling "FISHLESS!" But I say "Fish in". It can be done just as safely and harmlessly to the fish. BUt not the way some people do it. Or the way stores tell you to do it. I did fish in cycling (had never heard of fishless and my LFS said I was fine to add fish since I used Seachem Stability) I did have one fish that got sick but I believe it was the LFS fault.
How I would suggest a person do fish in cycling:
1) set up tank and let set for i week with no fish. This just lets everything settle down and the cloudiness go away.
2) Add about 3 fish. The number isnt exact but a guideline.
3) immediately add Seachem stability or a suitable replacement (there is one everyone says is better but I dont know it) THIS DOES NOT CYCLE YOU TANK! This needs to be added everyday at first. From what I can gather this is essentially an artificial temperary cycle but it keeps your fish safe until the bacteria you will grow naturally (not bottled) can establish themselves.
4) in about a 1/2 a week to a whole week add 3 or 4 more fish. Adding fish slowly reduces the risk of biooverload because remember you dont have a fully established bacteria colony.
5) in about another week you can add more fish. The number is up to you at this point just be sure to continue using the (bottled bacteria) for a week or two after you add your last fish. I probably wouldnt add full stocking of the tank yet.
Additional notes:
Keep using bottled bacteria through the whole process.
Add fish a little slower than you normally would.
Keep an eye on water parameters (I wish I had) and do water changes accordingly. After each water change use your bottled bateria.
DO NOT ADD ANY INVERTS OR SENSITIVE FISH UNTIL AFTER THE CYCLE IS COMPLETE!!!!!!!
Personal note:
I am not an expert. I have been doing this a pretty short time but I have done my research. This is my personal opinion. I could be completely off but it worked all right for me (luck?) Anyway feel free to post your thoughts. If someone knows a better method feel free to share it here!
God bless and thanks for reading!
How I would suggest a person do fish in cycling:
1) set up tank and let set for i week with no fish. This just lets everything settle down and the cloudiness go away.
2) Add about 3 fish. The number isnt exact but a guideline.
3) immediately add Seachem stability or a suitable replacement (there is one everyone says is better but I dont know it) THIS DOES NOT CYCLE YOU TANK! This needs to be added everyday at first. From what I can gather this is essentially an artificial temperary cycle but it keeps your fish safe until the bacteria you will grow naturally (not bottled) can establish themselves.
4) in about a 1/2 a week to a whole week add 3 or 4 more fish. Adding fish slowly reduces the risk of biooverload because remember you dont have a fully established bacteria colony.
5) in about another week you can add more fish. The number is up to you at this point just be sure to continue using the (bottled bacteria) for a week or two after you add your last fish. I probably wouldnt add full stocking of the tank yet.
Additional notes:
Keep using bottled bacteria through the whole process.
Add fish a little slower than you normally would.
Keep an eye on water parameters (I wish I had) and do water changes accordingly. After each water change use your bottled bateria.
DO NOT ADD ANY INVERTS OR SENSITIVE FISH UNTIL AFTER THE CYCLE IS COMPLETE!!!!!!!
Personal note:
I am not an expert. I have been doing this a pretty short time but I have done my research. This is my personal opinion. I could be completely off but it worked all right for me (luck?) Anyway feel free to post your thoughts. If someone knows a better method feel free to share it here!
God bless and thanks for reading!