How long do you have to wait to put fish in a new tank?

Wait until both the ammonia and nitrite levels have risen and then fallen to zero before adding more fish. It usually take about 3-6 weeks for a new aquarium to go through the initial nitrogen cycle, so fish should be added only a few per week during this time.

How long after buying a fish tank can I add fish?

After purchasing your new aquarium, make sure to set it up, add water, substrate and plants and allow it to settle for at least 24 – 48 hours before adding fish. Once you’ve got your aquarium set up, you’ll be ready to choose which fish will populate your tank.

Do you have to wait 24 hours to put fish in tank?

If you introduce bottled bacteria and water from an established tank at the shop, the nitrogen cycle can be completed after 24 hours. It will take about a day for the chemicals to eliminate chlorine and bacteria to bring ammonia and nitrates to healthy levels for fish to live in.

How long do you let water sit before putting fish in?

What is aged aquarium water, and how does an aquarium hobbyist get it? To put it simply, aged aquarium water is water that has been allowed to sit and “age” for at least 24 hours prior to use.

Can you put fish straight into a tank?

You can add fish as soon as tank water is dechlorinated and to temperature, as long as you add the right bacteria, and the manufacturer states that it is possible to do so. But for the best possible (safest,) results start to Fishless Cycle on the day that the water is dechlorinated and to temperature.

How do I cycle my fish tank in 24 hours?

Simple Methods to Accelerate Cycling
  1. If you have access, try using an old filter from a different tank. In this way, the filter will already contain all the healthy bacteria that your tank needs. …
  2. Add filter media from an old tank. …
  3. Increase water temperature. …
  4. Use live bacteria. …
  5. Increase oxygen levels.

Is my tank ready for fish?

When Is My Tank Ready for Fish? Your tank is ready to add fish when your ammonia tests are quickly dropping over the course of a day, and your nitrite level has risen and subsequently dropped back to 0ppm. Once you reach this point, you are ready to add your first fish.

How long can a fish be in a bag?

Some say that fish can last 9 or 10 hours in a bag (or even a day or two in some cases). However, it’s best for you and your fish if you stick to leaving your fish in the bag for 5 to 7 hours. A lot of fish can stay alive without oxygen for 2 days in shallow water.

Do I need to cycle my fish tank?

Cycling is the phrase given to the biological maturation of a new aquarium. Every fish tank must first be cycled before fish are added, as without it, pollutants will build up to toxic levels and the fish will die. To cycle, an aquarium must first have water and a filter.

Is bottled water safe for fish?

Bottled Water

Not exactly. Bottled water is typically either well water, filtered water or spring water. It may have gone through filters that remove some of its beneficial components, or it may have extra minerals that are unhealthy for fish. You would need to test and adjust it before using it in your tank.


Can you put goldfish straight into a new tank?

Introducing a New Goldfish to a Tank

The best way to transfer a new goldfish into its new home is to leave the fish in the oxygen and water filled bag that the pet store employee put your new pet into. Simply place it directly into the goldfish bowl or tank and wait until the water temperatures are equal.