I just set up a freshwater tropical tank on May 5. What I'd been reading said I could add fish after the water temp stabilized and the water was free of chlorine. So I added three fish yesterday: a swordtail, his female equal and a black molly. I was told these were good "starter" fish - hardy.
I tested the water every day and all looked okay except the alkaline is too low so I was told to get an increaser.
Thing is, I read elsewhere today that I should have let the tank "cycle" first (which seems to be a confusing process to me).
So, were do I go from here? Are my fish going to survive? What steps must I take to ensure the best possible outcome?
Also, my molly is fairly unactive and hasn't eaten anything since I purchased him.
I tested the water every day and all looked okay except the alkaline is too low so I was told to get an increaser.
Thing is, I read elsewhere today that I should have let the tank "cycle" first (which seems to be a confusing process to me).
So, were do I go from here? Are my fish going to survive? What steps must I take to ensure the best possible outcome?
Also, my molly is fairly unactive and hasn't eaten anything since I purchased him.