newbie. Tiger Barb and rainbow shark

Burninator

he might get it to cycle without water chages

The problem is that the shark may not do very well with the cycling.

If it was me, I would return the shark for now. Get more tiger barbs and once the cycling cloud is gone, add the shark.

OR. Return all the fish. Add some PURE ammonia every day then once you start getting readings that its going down add some tiger barbs and once you get a constant 0 reading on ammonia. Doing it this way tends to get the best results over all. Maybe it has to do with the amount of bacteria you grow, but people who do this seem to have fewer mini cycles.

musclemilk

wow thanks guys, So i will add in some more tiger barbs and remove the shark.

The shark and the 1 Tiger Barb are bothering each other now lol.

I will add 2 more tigers and that will leave me w\3 total tigers.

anything else guys?


You guys rock!

Burninator

There is a test kit made by API. It will help you test your tank to find out when its really cycled.

Once it cycled, feel free to add the shark

Sj45

no...grab 4-5 more tiger barbs and an api test kit.

musclemilk

got more tiger barbs. I now have 3 total tiger barbs and 1 Rainbow Shark. Feeding them twice a day.

The one guy at the pet store said water change every week. And another guy said water change 1time per month.......

Anyway my water was tested over by the store and the guy said everything looks good, but PH is the slightest bit high but nothing crazy and ti will work its way out...

Burninator

when you cycle with fish you need to do water changes to keep the ammonia down.

Once the tank is cycled i normally slow down a little with the water changes. I wouldnt say once a month but you can use a test kit to keep your nitrates in check then water change to lower them.

musclemilk

ok will do. too bad the store i think gave me a weak Tiger Barb...he already lost color and is hanging around in the corner. the others r doing great

Burninator

i bought 6 tiger barbs and 6 green barbs. 3 of the green died. It happens with smaller fish and cycling a tank is rough on them

musclemilk

since i put the new fish in, i noticed the water is very slightly cloudy...any thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks

Burninator

most likely a cycle.

Get a test kit to check