Problems with cycling

[Hallyx]

Rather than suggesting a time, I think you can estimate better by doing water tests. Of course, it will likely take about a week of tests to be secure about adding stock. ;-}

[shellieca]

The experienced fish keepers I know always say to wait at least a week before adding more fish. As the saying goes "better safe than sorry". Of course they also suggest QTing new fish for 3-4 wks to make sure they won't bring anything unhealthy into the main tank.

[Leopardfire]

I can't QT my fish side my dad would get furious if I added any more plastic bucket tanks so I have to just hope for the best.
When you test the water what should the readings be before adding more fish? Should it be 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites, and >10 nitrites?

[shellieca]

Originally Posted by Leopardfire

I can't QT my fish side my dad would get furious if I added any more plastic bucket tanks so I have to just hope for the best.
When you test the water what should the readings be before adding more fish? Should it be 0 ammonia, 0 nitrites, and >10 nitrites?

I understand about your dad. Yes your water parameters should be normal 0 ammonia/nitrites & I say <40 nitrates others will say <20. Test your water 24 hrs after adding them & for about a week after you add them to make sure nothing goes awry with the BB.

[Leopardfire]

Ok thanks I guess I will add some fish tonight.
Does anyone know why I never had nitrites and I only have 5 nitrates and my tank cycled in 2 weeks? Everywhere I look says that my nitrates should be super high, but they're not. Does this mean they're still coming and might spike soon and kill my fish? (my tank has been processing 3ppm ammonia for 5 days now without any nitrites and almost no nitrates)