Can Mollies live the cycling period?

[Vegan Peaches]

I did very little research before buying my fish, and what little I did never covered the topic of cycling. I bought 4 mollies and 1 has already died. The water is really murky right now, which means nitrite spike I'm pretty sure. From what I've read on here and other sites the nitrogen cycle takes awhile to complete, and since one Molly died really early on in the cycle, I'm worried my others wont live. Two of them seems fine, the other hides alot so I can't tell. I know it's possible that they will live, but is it probable?

 

[Elisabeth83]

I started my tank the same way you did. Not knowing anything about cycling and adding fish. I've had 4 mollies from the begining and none have died...so I guess it's likely they will survive...least mine did. I did have a couple of deaths though but none were mollies.

Good Luck!

 

[levitric]

I added my to male mollies after about 2 weeks from filling the tank, they both appear to be fine, a bit randy maybe but fine.

Rich

 

[skimpy]

I added my mollies in my 6th week of cycling, however I also had a population boom of babies at that time and my tank spike to its highest through cycling.. My molly's survived however. On my link is a history of the cycling period it will show you how it spiked after getting the mollies. Hisrory of cycling

My question is what is you water parameters. You sound as if you tank is new. Do you have a test kit. Testing the water is the only way to be sure. You may find that the molly who died was when your tank was spiking.

Please read up on cycling - here's another link that may helpnitrogen cycle because as you add more fish you may spike again (see my previous link above)

Sorry about your loss, and good luck. Don't hesitate to ask if you have questions and I really do suggest you get a test kit at least for PH Ammonia Nitrite and Nitrate.

 

[fishywishy]

We have a new tank too with 4 pot bellied mollies which we put in after only 4 days (we tested the water first) anyway they are all very happy and the 2 females are pregnant we think (either that or they are taking the pot bellied aspect of their name a little too far). We asked in the fish shop and they said mollies and guppies are pretty indestructable!!!! good luck!!!!

 

[Vegan Peaches]

Good to know. That Nitrogen Cycle link reminds me of science class... I've already studied the nitrogen cycle, lmao, but I didn't know it applied to fish until I found this forum. Well, glad to know my Mollies will be ok ^^ Thanks alot!

 

[TK Tiger]

were we live the water is really good quality, here most people i know with tropical fish dont cycle, they fill up a tank and de chlorinate with over the counter aditive. i have done this twice now and had no problems. the tiger's before lived for 3 months but i think i over fed them and they all died. i have now cycled the water for 3 days and have got two ssilver mollies one is a lyretail they seem to be happy .

i have 2 snails too 1 has been around for a few months his name is speedy a big gold apple snail, i love him and can watch him for ages as he moves around the tank, he seems to be happy with the water food and everything i give him.

 

[clutterydrawer]

the starting quality of the water doesnt really have much to do with the cycle, but whatever

Vegan Peaches, if you want to maximise their chnce of survival you can get a test kit for ammonia and nitrite, test your water, and do water changes to keep both those levels under 1ppm

 

[TK Tiger]

can you use a normal test kit like the ones used for a swiming pool, or do those only test for ph level?

 

[clutterydrawer]

You get test kits for swimming pools?! Hmm..not sure. I wouldn't imagine they'd test for ammonia an nitrite as these are porducts of the nirtogen cycle and I don't think they'd be present or important in a swimming pool. Not certain though. your best bet is probably just to get some from your lfs.

 

[njnauticalnut]

can you use a normal test kit like the ones used for a swiming pool, or do those only test for ph level?

The test kits for swimming pools and spas/jacuzzis are different. In a pool or spa you do not need to test for amonia and nitrite and nitrate, you typically test for chlorine/bromine and PH. The PH may be the same, however because of the adding of chlorine/bromine into a pool or spa and the taking out of it in a fish tank, there may be a difference. I cannot speak to this.

You can get a master kit to test your tank at most pet stores though the nitrate test is usually not included or you can buy the tests a la carte. The important ones are amonia, nitrite, and nitrate regarding cycling. The other tests are PH, GH (hardness), and KH (carbonate hardness).