When to get some sucker fish

[Juice]

I'm in the early stages of cycling my tank I was wondering when would be a good time to get a algae eater in there? Also do you think that 2 danios are good enough to get the cycle going?

[rich311k]

I would recommend a fishless cycle, much easier on you and the fish. As for the sucker, what size tank are we talking? Most plecos are not great algae eaters and the ones you see at most stores grow to well over a foot.

[jpappy789]

For reference:

http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=178075

Seeing as you already are cycling with fish keep the bioload as low as possible. Adding more only makes it harder to monitor and keep under control. That being said if you can return the fish, cycling without is the best option IMO.

Also, "suckers" (plecos, otos, etc.) will need supplemental feeding. they cannot live on algae alone. Keep in mind that they still contribute waste as well. I will agree what Rich as said as well...

[evelyn80]

:iagree: with rich and jpap. u dont buy a fish to do your job, u only buy a fish because u like it.

[LauraL]

Don't buy an algae eater yet. One, you ought to make sure there's something for them to eat before you buy one, and I doubt there's much algae in your tank at this point. Two, most aren't too hardy about ammonia, nitrates, etc. Third, *a little* food on the bottom won't hurt the cycle - just make sure you're checking your ammonia/nitrate/nitrite every couple of days and doing your water changes on schedule. (Note - seriously, a little! If you've got more, just vacuum it yourself.)

And two danios are probably plenty, unless it's a humongous tank. Don't buy any more fish till you get your tank cycled.

[itsanobsession]

id hold off on the pleco til 1) ur tank is done cycling and 2) you start to see some algae growth. alot of people make the mistake of buying a pleco right away and then there is no algae to eat and they end up dieing from starvation. since u only have a 12 gallon id recomend and otocinclus or two.

[KarlTh]

Two danios are enough to cycle the tank for two danios. A tank (apart from one freshly fishlessly cycled) is only ever 'cycled' for the fish currently in it.

[Juice]

Two danios are enough to cycle the tank for two danios. A tank (apart from one freshly fishlessly cycled) is only ever 'cycled' for the fish currently in it.

so when its cycled it wont be cycled enough for more fish?

[jpappy789]

Technically yes, the bacteria will only be able to handle the ammonia produced by the current fish. To increase you stock you'll need to add SLOWLY and monitor your params for any spikes.

[jm1212]

id hold off on the pleco til 1) ur tank is done cycling and 2) you start to see some algae growth. alot of people make the mistake of buying a pleco right away and then there is no algae to eat and they end up dieing from starvation. since u only have a 12 gallon id recomend and otocinclus or two.
plecos wouldnt die of starvation if they were fed. most plecos dont even eat algae.

dont add a fish just to get rid of algae, or to eat food off the bottom, etc. this is what the aquarist should be doing, especially in such a small tank.

[Kevin S.]

:iagree: