first tank!

[tidioute06]

So i recently decided to set up a tank for my 5yr old daughter. This is my first tank i went as large as i could afford 49gal. The tank has been set up since last Saturday. I'm going to let it cycle for at least 3-4 weeks before i think of adding fish. I wanted it to be very vibrant and color full.

I had heard somewhere that you should actually add ammonia to the tank to stimulate the cycle since i will not be using fish. Is this true?
Also i'd like any advice on what type of fish to add to the tank to keep with the bright vibrant theme. Any other random advice for a first timer is also welcome...
I plan on removing the fake plants down the road and getting some live ones but i figured i'd get the hang of this hobby before i did that.
thanks in advance.

 

[crazycanuck]

yes you can use ammonia to cycle tank.. you will need to keep an eye on it every couple days with a test kit.. ( i notice your test kit in the bottom corner lol i have the same one ) you are right ,your tank does have a very bright theme,looks like woodstock lmao.... some good fish for your tank would platties,TONS of colour varietis and they are cheap,hardy,and livebearers so all you have to do is mix the sexes and they will keep you tank populated..

nice tank

 

[OldMan47]

Tidioute06, Please read this before you start adding fish to your tank. It will be better for all concerned. http://www.aquariacentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=84598

 

[Bnoble]

your daughter will love it, and then you will become addicted! heheheh:grinyes:

 

[tidioute06]

Thanks a ton! i was just browsing trying to locate a thread on doing a fishless cycle. I want to make things are perfect (or as close as i can get) before i add fish..
I am in no hurry and if i need to do the cycle a few times to get it right before adding fish i will.
lol and I'm already addicted and i dont even have fish in it yet..

 

[Coler]

welcome to AC - nice work !

 

[msjinkzd]

hope the site is helpful, let us know if you have any more questions

 

[Fishfiles1]

do a nice soft them, with wood and hiding spots in the bottom and add some bolivan ram cichlids, and one or 2 honey gouramys, maybe a school of neon tetras 10 or 20 would be cool, you also could and some harlequin rasboras like 6 of them, and for the middle you could add odesa barbs or cherry barbs or evan rosy barbs, but thats all the barbs, and maybe add some guppies

 

[jm1212]

very interesting decor!

 

[gabrie30]

Its vibrant alright!