When Ammonia hits 0 how many fish can safely be added???

[WyMike]

Once my ammonia levels hit 0 I want to introduce additional Tiger Barb's into the tank. I've read recommendations of having between 4-6+ for quality activity. Not wanting to increase the bioload to a degree high enough to spike the ammonia levels - or go into another cycle - how many would you advise adding at a time? 2-3? Or go with 4-5 at one time, with one already in the tank, to give me 6?

 

[colesea]

What are your nitrite levels? Nitrite spikes can be very high and just as toxic as ammonia levels on a cycling tank. Even if ammonia leves read zero.
~~Colesea

 

[WyMike]

colesea... For the last few days my readings have been

Ammonia: .5-1.0
Nitirites: 0

One more thing. My tank is 15 Gal and measures 26" deep and 13x13" at top. With only the Hagen Powerhead 101 turning 80GPH is this enough water movement to keep the water oxygenated properly?

I'll test again this morning when I hit the office. Thanks for helping out colesea! You have my vote for top regular here!

 

[RedTurquoise]

Once ammonia hits zero, you will need to test nitrites. After nitrites hit zero, then I would first recommend adding fish. In a 15G tank, I would go easy with only 2-3 additional fish!

 

[WyMike]

Well we are out of Tiger Barb's in the office as of this morning...

This morning the readings are:

Ammonia: .5-1.0
Nitrites: 0
Ph: Off the chart @7.6
Temp: 76

My Ph tester ranges from 6.0 - 7.6 and it is a dark blue.

Both the Ammonia test kit and the Ph are made by Aquarium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. The Nitrite kit is from Hagen.

It seems my Ph has increased significantly. What would cause that?

Maybe it is a good time to initiate a fishless cycle by raising the Ammonia to 5 PPM with Pure Ammonia?

I can't believe this thing tanked like it did...

What's your opinion???

 

[RedTurquoise]

How long is this tank setup?

Tap water will usually (not always) rise in ph as CO2 dissapates. I would not worry about changing ph but I worry about keeping it constant. The best is to 'age' your water by letting it stand in a pail with aeration and heat. However, if you just filled your tank, it would explain the increase in ph. Once established, you will be doing weekly water changes around 20% therefore the new water will not affect the water parameters much keeping it steady.

Ph will also increase if you have gravel that is increasing the hardness!

I would recommend the fishless now! Cheaper in the long run anyways.

 

[WyMike]

The tank has been set up a month now. Initially I set it up, conditioned the water with a dechlorinator called Genesis. Removes chlorine and provides a "protective coat" yada yada yada...

I went back to LFS to look and see what they had available - just looking mind you - and the LFS told me the tank was 'conditioned' and I could add a few fishes. He recommended three fish an inch long or 6 at a half inch. He sold me on the Tiger Barb's.

Which BTW I find them to be a great fish to have! Not as "Hardy" as some maybe. I read alot about the "Vertical Dance" being indicative of ammonia and nitrite levels being too high.

So the 10% water changes began over the course of a week. Each day there was one which passed away. Really ticks me off too. I had one Barb which was somewhat Puffer-like. He would come to the glass and watch ME when I went near the tank!

Anyway... It's a sad day in our office and the ladies think I am a terrible fish guy.... ::sniff sniff:::

So maybe adding ammonia to a level of 5 PPM and adding an air bar will be my next couple of steps.

Thanks for the words...