New Tank for Piranha

Question
I just purchased a new 40 gallon tank and plan to use this for 2 or 3 Red Belly Piranha.
After filling the tank, I let it circulate and reach 76 degrees.
I then added NovAqua to eliminate/neutralize Chlorine.
Then I added ECO-START from Kent to get the cycle going.
The 3rd day, I checked the PH and it was dark blue and near 8 so I added PH Down.
I’ve probably done to much already huh?
The water is starting to get cloudy but from what I’ve read, it’s probably normal.
Is it absolutely necessary to add fish at this point considering what I’ve dome already?
Can I just leave it “fishless�? for a week or 2 before getting the Piranha?
Not sure what to do at this point?
Eg..   Water change? Wait? Get some cheap fish?
Thanks for any advice.
Jim in NJ


Answer
Hi Jim;

Without waste from the fish or another source the tank can't even begin the nitrogen cycle. The beneficial bacteria that will grow needs fish waste or something to feed on in order to develop. You just have to be very careful how many fish you put in at first so that toxins don't get so high that it kills them. If your new fish are only an inch or so long it will be okay to add them. If they are bigger you may want to cycle the tank without fish at first to avoid losing them. Here is more on fishless cycling;

http://homepage.ntlworld.com/faustus/nicoldaquaria/fishless.htm
http://www.aquahobby.com/articles/e_fishless.php


You could also start the tank with fish that you can return to the fish store after the nitrogen cycle has completed. Your pirahnas don't require live food, regardless of what people tell you and I don't recommend it. (Getting them hooked on live food is dangerous and all it takes is one feeder fish with internal parasites or another illness you can't see and.....well, you get the idea.) The initial cycle takes about 6 to 8 weeks. You will still have to be very careful when adding the larger population though. The bacteria balance is set for the smaller population of starter fish so it will probably have an ammonia and then a nitrite surge. It will not take as long as the initial break-in though, as long as you take precautions. Don't overfeed, make a 25% water change once or twice weekly and don't overcrowd.

I really think you are headed for trouble with red bellies in a 40 gallon though. They need a larger tank because they get nearly a foot long. If you only have one you could keep it in there but it is too cramped for them to be in a school. Here is a little more info about them;

http://www.thetropicaltank.co.uk/Fishindx/piranha.htm
http://www.aquariumpros.com/faqpro/freshwater_2.shtml#05209635

Oh, and don't mess with the pH. Chemical adjusters cause rollercoaster fluctuations that are more dangerous than letting the fish get used to what the pH already is. There is no "correct" pH for any of the fish we keep in our aquariums anyway. They are bred and raised in captivity where the pH is usually a little above 7.0. A stable pH is much more important than trying to stick to a particular number. It's probably the chemical that caused the cloudiness too. Just add bogwood or driftwood and it will take care of itself. If the wood comes from an already established tank it will help the nitrogen cycle get a jump-start too.

Good Luck........

At Your Service;
Chris Robbins