Adding fish to new tank

Question
Hi Stephanie,
We recently set up a 20 gallon freshwater aquarium. We added the filter, heater, gravel, plastic plants, and some decorations and started everything running about two days ago. We bought test kits and water chemicals, etc. When we went to buy a few "starter fish," the LPS told us we could not add any fish for at least two weeks. I've been doing some research on the internet, and there seems to be a difference of opinion on how to properly "cycle" a new tank with some recommending adding no fish at all for a few weeks and others saying the tank will never establish without any fish to create the new bacteria needed. Please advise us on what to do?  My son, of course, is anxious to get at least a few fish in there as watching an empty tank is not a very satisfying experience, but, we certainly don't want to endanger any fish just for our own pleasure. Also, all these test kits were expensive, and even after testing the water, we don't know what the results mean. How do we interpret the results? Lastly, many years ago when we had an aquarium set up, we had a Lyre tail pleco who we all loved and we would like to get another one.  How long should we wait before adding a pleco since there won't be any algae at first for him to feed off of? If we decide to add him sooner rather than later, is there something special to feed him in the meantime?

Thanks in advance for your advice.
Lynda

Answer
Hello,

You are right in saying a tank won't cycle without any fish in it. Usually I wait about 1-2 days before adding new fish. This waiting period isn't really to cycle the tank, but to allow the chlorine remover to do its job, and the water to come to a good temperature.

It is not about waiting a really long time before adding fish, but not adding too many fish at once is important. It depends the size of the fish, but if you are adding tetras for example you should add only 2-3 to start. Wait a couple weeks after adding them, and if there is no fatalities, consider investing in more fish.

Which test kits did you buy? All tests kits work differently but I can try and give you an overview. Each test kit should come with a color chart that you can compare your results to. Usually its a darker color means a bad condition, but again this varies between test kits. Once you have matched the color, it should have a number beside it. For nitrites, a safe level should be 0.3 mg/L or below. For ammonia, safe level is dependent upon pH levels, but again around 0.3 mg/L or less would be a good safe level. pH should be between about 6.2-8.5 or so. There is a large acceptable range for pH. There should also be next to no chlorine in your tank.

If there is anything else you want to know about test kits, please feel free to ask and also let me know if you are using drops, test strips or some other form of testing and which kits you have.

You can add a pleco right off the bat if you want, but since they are a bit more expensive you may want to wait for your tank to cycle and  become stable first. When you do add him, if there is not much algae/leftovers for him to eat, you can buy sinking food tablets for bottom feeders which he should enjoy. Only give him about 1 a day or even 1 every two days though, because he probably won't be eating it all and if you add too many it will pollute your tank.

I hope this helps, and if you have any more questions feel free to get back to me.

Good-luck,

From Stephanie