Why haven't I had dire consequences???

[Fangirl]

Same story... new 29 gallon tank... never heard of "fishless cycling" before I found this site... too late...

Before I did anything, I read and read and read, however, now that I found this site, I am finding some semi-contradictory info.

Status thus far...
Put tap water in the tank
used dechlorinator
let the tank run for about 2.5 days (Penguin 170 Biowheel filter)
tested the Ph and it was nearly neutral
put 6 small fish in to begin the fishy cycling (3 zebra danios and 3 headlight taillight tetras)

I have been testing my water at least once a day (GH, Ph, Ammonia, Nitrites). The Ph is a bit high at 7.6. My neighbor, and experienced fishkeeper, has the same Ph problem. The ammonia and nitrite levels have not spiked yet (7 days since I introduced the fish). The fish seem happy (not listless, not sucking at the top) and swim about in their "mini-schools". Tonight, I plan to do my first water change (about 25%) that will also "top off" the tank to the "pre-evaporation level".

My question is... All of the discussions on this board are emphasizing frequent water changes throughout the cycling process, yet, my ammonia and nitrite levels have not increased much and my fish seem to being doing really well.... is disaster still lurking nearby??? are my fish still in significant danger??? Should I be feeling a little confident at the 7 day mark from introducing the fish???

Any advice or comments are welcome. I am truly on this forum to learn more from you more experienced fishkeepers. THANKS!!!

 

[TKOS]

You have small waste producintg fish in your tank. It will take awhile to get levels of ammonia and nitrite higher. A spike of ammonia needs to get to 2ppm to start to be hard on most hardy fish like danios and nitrites near 0.25ppm. Water changes will help keep these levels low (and sicne you have test kits you will be able to tell when things are ready for a water change). I would wait at least 3 weeks and make sure you see no more ammonia or nitrite for 24 hours before adding new fish. Fishy cycling can work but it means more work for you as you have to keep on top of levels and diligent with water changes. The more water changes the better at this point.

Also if you notice the ammonia levels start to creep faster for some reason then slow down the amount you feed, in fact every other day feeding at this point aren't a bad idea. The fish will do fine and it will slow down waste production.

As for the pH, as long as it stays somewhat stable don't worry about it too much. Anywhere from 6.7 to 7.6 or so is well within a safe range for most community tropical fish.

 

[Fangirl]

Thanks for your help!

 

[elal]

Also beware that levels could rise very suddenly....My tank seemed to be under control at the one month mark, until I woke up one morning to 5ppm of nitrite and very sick fish. I was testing every day, but the levels suddenly spiked overnight. I'd suggest having some AmQuel or other ammonia/nitrite/nitrate remover around in case this happens to you

 

[Holly9937]

I agree with the above! I know it can be hard to wait to get more fish, but in terms of getting the tank cycled well and saving yourself the panic of suddenly bad conditions with a tank full of fish (not to mention lost money if they die!) its all worth the wait. You should just do the water changes anyway, if anything to get yourself in the habit and to find out what is the easiest way, etc! Good luck
By the way, when you do add more fish, I suggest adding more to your schools, in my experience the bigger the school, the more they hang out and it looks really neat!!!