I did not do this
i am totally upset that my petshop guy didnt tell anything. he simply gave me 33 gallon tank, told me not to fill up completely, add sand ( i washed it first then added it without him telling it was good idea) then told me to add some water from bottle ( i think its declorinator + ammonia ) and then told me to put fist after 1 day. i did , my 1 + yr old fish are looking good after almost 3 days, but now i discover this and i am not feeling good.
will i loose my fish? should i take them out and put them in old small tank for another 2-3 weeks and do this process mentioned here?
please please help me fast.
Relax, the 'fish in' cycle method is very common and can work without losing all of your fish. It's not the best method (as far as cruelty to fish goes) but it will work and as I said it is the most common method. IMPORTANT - go and buy yourself test kits, you need to (at a minimum) test ammonia, nitrites, nitrates and pH. This is very important and shouldn't be overlooked. A master test kit will include all of these and may be a more affordable option.
Here's a rough guide of what you should do and what to expect:
Day 1
The newly-added fish have not yet produced any measurable amount of ammonia. All readings should be near zero.
*Note – If you’re setting up the tank ahead of adding fish, the Cycle will not begin until a source of ammonia is added. i.e. Your new fish.
Day 3
Ammonia levels will begin to rapidly rise to near-dangerous; break-in fish may show some signs of discomfort and stress such as rapid breathing, poor feeding and darting about. First stage bacteria are beginning to become established, but their numbers are low at this point.
Day 5
Ammonia levels reach their peak and begin to decline as first stage bacteria start to convert it into nitrite. Nitrite levels begin to rise. *Note - Weaker fish may succumb to ammonia poisoning; a partial water change will dilute ammonia and reduce stress for a brief period. No more than 20% (more than this is likely to prolong the cycle process)
Day 8
First stage bacteria are well established and are processing ammonia as fast as the fish are producing it. Ammonia levels return to zero and nitrites climb rapidly. Fish may perk up due to temporary reprieve from stressful conditions.
Day 14
Nitrite levels reach their peak. Fish may again show some signs of distress. Small water changes (up to 20%) can help protect break-in fish and reduce stress without significantly prolonging cycling time.
Day 27
Nitrite levels continue to be elevated (can last for several weeks) as the second stage bacteria begin turning nitrite into nitrate.
Day 29
Second stage bacteria multiply rapidly and begin to catch up with built up nitrite. Nitrite levels drop rapidly and nitrate level becomes detectable.
Day 30
Both first and second stage bacteria are now well established and can keep up with the ammonia output of the fish, turning it first into nitrite and then immediately into nitrate. Do a 50%+ water change and a thorough gravel vaccum. Tank is now "cycled" and ready for additional fish. Add no more than 2-3 at a time, also allowing time after each new addition for the bacterial colonies to cope with the increased bio-load.
Hope this has been of some help. Good luck!
