Fishboss, welcome to Tropical Fish Keeping forum.
I am not being disrespectful, please understand that, when I say that you have a lot of research to do in order to sort all this out. Being well versed in the biology of an aquarium goes a long way toward initial success, as opposed to many dead fish and perhaps giving up.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Oscarfish789  well that 1-2 weeks came from a friend that has had fish for a while and said that 2 weeks should have the tank ready, or i think that there is some sort of dechlorinator that claims fish can be added right away after setting up a new tank. |
Dechlorinators (water conditioners) are essential to remove chlorine and chloramine, but that has nothing to do with establishing the bacteria cycle. Here's another article by one of our members on this:
A Beginner's Guide to the Freshwater Aquarium Cycle
Aside from this, there is the planning for the correct type of filter, heater, light; and this depends upon the type of fish you intend. Water parameters also impact this; the water out of your tap may be soft or hard, acidic or basic, and some fish need one or the other, some manage "in the middle."
Compatibility, which includes behaviour issues but goes far beyond that with similar water parameters (including temperature) and the environment (decor, like wood, rocks, plants, caves, sand, gravel...). If you intend staying with cichlids, you may be limited, as many are large, some aggressive to various degrees, and they can be very specific with water parameters (hardness and pH). This may be of some help:
A Basic Guide to Freshwater Fish Stocking
And we have fish profiles, second tab from the left in the Blue Bar across the top of the page. Many species are included, and data on tank size, numbers, water parameters, etc. is included for each.
Byron.
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