Introducing new fish in a new tank.

Katydid

Just curious. After a tank has been cycled, how do you go about introducing the fish you plan to place in the tank. What I mean is, how do you choose the order of which fish to start with.

My idea initially is to start with the hardiest and most peaceful fish in the plan I have. Hardy so they can withstand any initial problems I might have (even though I plan on fully cycling the tank ahead of time...)

If I introduce fish that are semi aggressive towards the end will it be easier since they will not have a territory staked out before the other fish are added? Or does it matter?

In my plan the only fish that could be problematic is the Flag Fish. I really want them, so I've already chosen all my other fish without showy long fins etc. But I was thinking if I introduce the Flag fish first they might see the whole tank as their territory and attack anything else I put in the tank....(This is a worst case scenario, I know many flags are very peaceful and pay attention only to algae).

Will it help if I introduce them later or last, or am I just kidding myself.

Thanks all!!!! New tropical fish keeper here, so lots of questions!!!!!

1077

I think your Idea of introducing the Flag fish last is a good one. Be sure and offer some Spirulina flake or pellet food for these fish until you have some algae growth for them to nibble on.

Katydid

1077 thanks very much for your reply.

Other than the aggression issue, I plan to introduce the fish with the least bioload first so the tank can continue to gently mature....
and then the poor flags...