So I have read through some of the threads and found a lot of useful information, on that note thanks to all of you. I did not find this thread until it was too late, my friendly petco sales person gave me ill advice and I messed up. I just purchased 5 days ago, a 20 gallon long tank, took it home, filled it and put some water conditioner in it. 24 hours later per the advice of said salesman, I purchased 9 fish, 5 mollies and 4 platys... Within 2 days I was down to only 3 platys and 1 molly left. Then I found this forum, so I have now purchased a testing kit, and I think I understand the amonia, nitrite, nitrate cycle... However, I was wondering, given the situation, how long will it be before I should start to see some nitrite, and nitrate in my water, because as of today, my amonia has droped from .5 ppm to .25 ppm from yesterday to today, which I took as a good sign, but my nitrite and nitrate are both still testing at 0.
Also, is there anything that I should be doing other than waiting until the bacteria begin to grow? And lastly, how long should I be leaving the light on each day?
The tank is a 20 gallon long tank and has only artificial decor in it.
Also, When I can finally add fish back to my tank, would 2 angelfish, and a few neon tetras, and the fish I already have be okay in this tank or is that too much.
Again, I am new to all of this, I have never owned any fish in my life except the goldfish from carnivals back in the day, so please do not comment just to tell me I am stupid or something, I know that if I were a fish genius, I wouldn't need to be asking the questions on a forum now would I?
Also, is there anything that I should be doing other than waiting until the bacteria begin to grow? And lastly, how long should I be leaving the light on each day?
The tank is a 20 gallon long tank and has only artificial decor in it.
Also, When I can finally add fish back to my tank, would 2 angelfish, and a few neon tetras, and the fish I already have be okay in this tank or is that too much.
Again, I am new to all of this, I have never owned any fish in my life except the goldfish from carnivals back in the day, so please do not comment just to tell me I am stupid or something, I know that if I were a fish genius, I wouldn't need to be asking the questions on a forum now would I?