Aquarium Cycling Question

[baileya74]

I just completed the set up of my 46gal bow front tank. I have 8 zebra Danois in there. Is that the right amount to cycle the tank?? The have been in there since Sat. How long will it take for me to start noticing any changes in the water test???

[OrionGirl]

The right amount? Well, it depends. The cycle will still occur, but only for that amount and size of fish. With a few small fish in a larger tank, the ammonia titer won't get as high as it would with the same fish in, say, a ten gallon tank, but that's better for the fish. You'll still need to monitor and do water changes to prevent lethal levels, but it will take a bit longer to build up as much.

Adding any more fish--even after ammonia and nitrites go to 0, will result in a spike as the waste production increases over the current bacteria colonies capacity.

[baileya74]

OK, so i guess everything is good just like i have it now. When should I do a water change??? Should I do it now even though nothing has changed???

[OrionGirl]

Unless you want some practice, there's no reason to do one now. :) Keep ammonia levels below 1, and nitrites below .25 and the fish will be more likely to survive.

[baileya74]

Thanks I get much better info her then at the Pet store.

[baileya74]

I have three Question?
It's been 4wk and still no change in tank. Everything still at zero. Is it possible for the tank to cycle without me knowing? I've been told it has already cycled by the people at Petsmart.

How come I'm getting a different reading when I take a sample to the pet store(PetSmart). My PH Shows 7.2 at home but at the store it show 8.0. what gives??? Should I get the test strips for each individual readings??

Back to my first question. Petsmart theory was since I have 6 zebra Danios and 5 Black tetra and they haven't died in 4wk it must have cycle already??

[OrionGirl]

The small bio-load may mean that the bacteria are able to develop without you seeing large spikes. Small additions of fish should be okay.

For the pH--check the range you test will display. Low range kits will show the max value, but your water could be higher than that.