new fish/tank

Question
Hi, 2 days ago we moved our black moor and common goldfish into their new 55 gal. home with salt, bacteria, old tank decor, conditioner...everything we're told to do...but they both just sit on the bottom all day...until feeding time ( sometimes the common doesn't even come to eat)  Should I be worried?  I don't want to lose my fish!  But I know this is cycling...how long does it take?  When can I add my 2 gold snails and buy more fish? Thanks Lori

Answer
Hello Lori-

Cycling can take 2-3 weeks in large tanks, possibly shorter if you are using a bacteria such as Cycle to help the process along.

Watch their behavior, and if they show red gills and are gasping for air at the top/bottom of the tank, change about 50% of the water and add new water. Each time you do this (hopefully you won't ever have to) add a half-dose of the Cycle to the water.

Sometimes it is best just to "tough it out," as long as the conditions aren't lethal. Eventually the water will stabilize.

Hope this is useful,
Amber Worman