Odd behavior in new tank

Question
Started my 1st 5 gallon freshwater aquarium 8 days ago, had water tested day 4, added 3 fish (Tetra, Tiger Barb and Harlequin Rasbora) and an Aquatic Dwarf Frog....day 5 Tetra died, frog seems terrified, all fish swim & eat, day 6, Tiger Barb starts acting odd at night, seems to be in a trance, eyes moving funny, mouth opening very fast, breathing heavy then after an hour its ok again. Harlequin is fine. Temp is 78'f, amonia was low, did 30% water change today added the decholinator. I know the whole cycle thing is going on but how long for that to happen and does water changes effect the cycling? And what is going on with my fish? Thank you.

Answer
Chris,

 Most fish keepers cycle the tank without fish. The cycle process takes anywhere from 2 weeks to 6 weeks depending on the set up. During the first week or so there is a bacteria bloom. This is when the bad bacteria is formed. This is very deadly for a fish as you have seen. During the second week or so the second bacteria bloom occurs. This is when the beneficial bacteria is formed. This is the bacteria that is needed for the fish to survive. I would have to say, I think the ammonia is not low but very high due to the lack of cycling before adding the fish. When we cycle, it is not the water but the filter that is cycling. When you add fish before the filter has run its course, you add more pressure on the filter. Now, not only does the filter have to filter the water to set up it now has to filter all the waste from the fish. I would not be surprised if all the fish and the frog die before this is all complete. As for the frog, it is not a water breather. It is also not a good swimmer. If the water level is too high, the frog will not be able to get to the surface to get air. It is very important that we research every pet we want to get BEFORE we buy them. Research would tell you the frog needs a long tank not a tall one. It would tell you that with the frog, only fill the tank with a few inches of water for the simple fact they need to be able to get to the top to breathe. That is why your frog seams terrified. If a fish is breathing heavy, it is because there is not enough oxygen in the water. I would add an air stone to the tank.

When we cycle, we fill the tank, turn on the heater and the filter. Then we leave it alone for at least 14 days before you start testing the water. Water changes can slow the cycle process but if you don't do it then the fish die. I would only do 25% water changes. Test your water daily. If there are any ammonia or nitrite readings, do a 25% water change. Do this daily until both the ammonia and nitrites are at zero.