Beneficial bacteria

Question
Hello

I have read an article you wrote about nitrifying bacteria and new tank syndrome and just had a quick question.  I saw you said that the bacteria wouldn't grow with fish, but I assume putting a couple of feeder shrimp in there is just as good for waste that the bacteria can feed on?  I have a  6 foot, 100 gal tank and had the tank filtering for 2 weeks now with the feeder shrimp in there for 3 weeks, as I knew they were hardy and could survive without the filter for a while.  I guess that leads me to another question, if  the shrimp can survive in there does that mean I can begin putting in one fish at a time?  Algae blooms are beginning to appear on the side of the tank and I have two chinese algae eaters, but they are beloved pets and there is no way I'm putting them in without knowing if the bacteria is ready.  The tank will contain native Australian fish like rainbows.  I also have a 420 gal/hour external canister filter with silica glass noodles and activated carbon as bacteria nightclubs.

Your time is much appreciated

Regards

Leo

Answer
Hi Leo;

I think it's too soon yet to add more fish. You will probably have to wait for another 3 weeks or so. Get a test kit and it will tell you how far along the break-in process is. After 3 weeks with the shrimp there may be a bit of ammonia and nitrite will begin to rise as the ammonia goes down. Once the ammonia and nitrite are both at "zero" and the nitrates are beginning to rise a bit, the tank has finally broken in. Hopefully the shrimp are enough so there is a source of waste that will produce the ammonia that the bacteria need.

Keep in mind that you will have to start very slow when adding new fish after the break-in is complete. Every addition of fish requires the beneficial bacteria to compensate with new growth and enlargement of the bacteria colonies. The bacteria is slow growing so add one inch of fish for every ten gallons only once a week until the population is where you want it. Be sure you know the future size of any new fish so you can calculate the population accurately.

Tanks can even be started by just adding ammonia or just a little fish food every day. "Fishless Cycling" is what it's called. Here is a link to more;

http://www.aquahobby.com/articles/e_fishless.php

Have fun!

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins