Bio-Spira and new fish in tank

[177ichael]

Hello all,

It appears today was the day I finally broke down and couldn't wait for fish any longer. I had been fishless cycling my tank for about 5 days and decided to accelerate the process and go ahead and try Bio-Spira. Before going out and buying fish, I did a 90% water change to get rid of most of the ammonia I originally added for the fishless cycling. Upon returning with a school of six Cardinals and two Angels and a bag of Bio-Spira, I immediately dumped the Bio-Spira in and eventually the fish in as well. I hope that the Bacteria in the Bio-Spira didn't die on my way home... I was told by the LFS that the solution needs to remain refrigerated, but unfortunately I had a half hour car ride home, in only an air-condition blasting car. Ever since this afternoon, the Cardinals have been swimming in a tight school and seem to be enjoying the conditions of the tank. However, the Angels have been very very shy and have just started to come out from behind the rocks and plants for short periods of time. I will check tomorrow and see how my water readings look.

Michael

[NatakuTseng]

sounds like typical behavior to me. Both species are uncomfortable and stressed about being moved into a foriegn environment so they are going to act that way. The angels will be shy, but will adapt quickly, and the cardinals may always shoal especially with the angels. Watch out for when the angels get larger, the cardinals may become lunch. The Bio Spria should be fine, I don't think a half hour would have killed it, just if your going to keep it long term you need to have it refrigerated.

[JSchmidt]

It's unlikely you'd see any negative effects immediately, unless it was from the fish being stressed by the move.

I'd keep an eye on your test results. BioSpira has a reputation of allowing nitrite spikes, so even if you don't see any ammonia, you should be testing for nitrites and be prepared to do water changes.

Good luck,
Jim