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- Thread starter FishTank719
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I'm going to say that most expert fishkeepers on this site would recommend you wait until your tank is fully cycled before adding any fish whatsoever. Even a week into your cycle, the ammonia level is high enough to seriously stress the fish if not kill them.
Maybe try a fishless cycle next time?
Also, I know nothing about cichlids, but are you sure that a 20g is enough room for your new green terror?
And yes, this site is full of helpful people with great advice!
Maybe try a fishless cycle next time?
Also, I know nothing about cichlids, but are you sure that a 20g is enough room for your new green terror?
And yes, this site is full of helpful people with great advice!
One week fishless cycle isn't usually enough to get the tank fully 'cycled', and the fish-in cycle isn't a great option, but if you are an experienced fishkeeper and willing to do the daily water changes, it *could* be okay.
As I mentioned before, I don't know lots about cichlids, but a 20g sounds small for the green terror unless you are willing to trade that fish in when it starts to outgrow the tank.
Also, most people on this site will tell you that your LFS staff know nothing. I quite like my independent LFS, but then again, I've received far better insight from the experts on this forum than from my LFS.
As I mentioned before, I don't know lots about cichlids, but a 20g sounds small for the green terror unless you are willing to trade that fish in when it starts to outgrow the tank.
Also, most people on this site will tell you that your LFS staff know nothing. I quite like my independent LFS, but then again, I've received far better insight from the experts on this forum than from my LFS.
Green terrors get 8-9" long, so much too big for a 20gallon tank long-term. For that sized fish, you'll need a 55gallon tank. Here is a link for their care:
Green terror, Aequidens rivulatus Profile, with care, maintenance requirements and breeding information for your tropical fish
I agree with lauraf about your cycling. It takes 6-8 weeks normally at a minimum to get the water safe for fish. Until the nitrogen cycle is completely established, you need to test the water (invest in a liquid test kit) and do water changes often.
Green terror, Aequidens rivulatus Profile, with care, maintenance requirements and breeding information for your tropical fish
I agree with lauraf about your cycling. It takes 6-8 weeks normally at a minimum to get the water safe for fish. Until the nitrogen cycle is completely established, you need to test the water (invest in a liquid test kit) and do water changes often.
I personally have used "Cycle" to great success, I just recommend buying a bottle that is still sealed in plastic at the top and refrigerating it before you open it. this way the bacteria spores are cold when they are exposed to air. I keep the bottle in my fridge and I started my 25 gallon and my 5 gallon with it.
I did a fish-in cycle with 5 fathead minnows and not only did every single fish survive but they have already bred in my tank and been given away to my mom for her nearly fishless tank (just 5 minnows and 1 high-fin black tetra).
I did a fish-in cycle with 5 fathead minnows and not only did every single fish survive but they have already bred in my tank and been given away to my mom for her nearly fishless tank (just 5 minnows and 1 high-fin black tetra).