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Cycle complete--Anything I need to do until I get fish?

1K views 4 replies 4 participants last post by  leogtr 
#1 ·
My 29 gallon planted tank has finished its cycle. I am not going to be able to get fish yet because the species I want won’t be available for several weeks. Is there something that I need to do to make sure that the water parameters are still okay when I am finally able to get my fish?
Sarah
 
#2 ·
hi there! welcome to the forums!!!

Im not really sure how did you cycle your tank? and oh! when your desired fish arrive to the store I advise you to wait one more week to get them so that by the time their in the store for a week you'll know that they were healthy and that none where mistreated, malnourished or unhealthy. Some fish arrive at the store sick or starving and they might die two or three days after arrival even if they were given the proper care. Its a sad thing it really is Im just telling you so you dont have to deal with any heartaches.
 
#3 ·
Great advice Leogtr. And when you do buy fish do so in small quantities as large numbers will upset the balance that you have worked so hard to attain. The bio load needs to slowly grow with the number of fish to manage the 'output" Avoid the common pleco which is a heavy poop producer and will grow too big anyway. Eventually when you have algae to consume then look for some form of algae eater. Cory's are cute but need to be in groups of 5 preferrable to feel safe. Many fish shoal, meaning they like to swim in schools so go have a look at the store and see what you like, talk to the sales people and if you can do it, and its hard, go home and research the ones you like. How many can you put together, how big do they get? are they compatable with others? some get so big or get so aggresive that you can only put one in your tank, ex. jack dempsey. Do you like slow swimmers? or fish that race back and forth? Some store post colours on the tanks to show compatability, red, yellow and green. no, caution, and ok to put together with others. Some fish like harums, 1 male several females but then you may end up with more fish than you can handle. some are live bearers and some lay eggs.
research, research and oh ya research. Then when you do bring them home, rest the bags in the water and slowly over time, ie every 5-10 minutes give the bag a little drink of tank water, thereby aclimating the fish you the tank temp and ph levels. This takes 30-45 min. then net the fish from the bag and discard the store water. This process avoids shock which will kill your new fish within hours of bringing them home and discarding the store water helps to avoid infecting your tank with something from the store.
Good luck. go slowly. the only things that happen fast in a fish tank are bad things. After you have posted 10 times on the forums you can get into the chat room to come talk to others with tons of experience. Leogtr I I have not seen you in there!!??
 
#5 ·
oh no your advise was so much more helpful!! Ive been trying to figure out what to do with my tank because its so infested with snails that they began eating my plants! I just ordered an assassin snail yesterday..I didnt want to but I have no other choice these guys are almost done with my little moneywort :(
 
#4 ·
If i'm not mistaken I believe you still have to provide your tank with some sort of ammonia source? If you don't I think all of the bacteria that you have just built up may die. I am not really sure about this though so wait for some more opinions before you take action.
 
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