Few questions?
What did you use as to water conditioner?
What filtration is being used?
Personaly I am not fond of the fishless cycle. IMO you should aty this point let the cycle take its course. DO NOT change filter media if and DO NOT add any additives other that whats needed. Stay away from anything that is sold as to improve clarity,kill snails, and so on. This will only make matters worse and in most cases delay the cycle process.
The fish that is still alive may or may not make it depending on water chemestry from this point on. But, youre best bet is to let time take its course. Right now you probably experienced a spike in amonia which is common when setting up a new tank from scratch.
In new tanks most readings will be off the chart due to the tank establashing the propper chemistry this can take up to a week in most casses depending again on what conditioner(s) was used.
I HIGHLY suggest using a product by: seachem called PRIME. This not only serves as you ALL purpose conditioner but also adds to the water some needed ions , nutrients and also promotes the production and regeneration of the natural slime coat.
This works at a doze of 1 drop per gallon and in most casses makes a NEW tank safe within minutes. YEAP
you read correct MINUTES.
Though I would NOT suggest this be done by just any hobbiest. And also works just as well on already set up tanks that are having troubles. This can be used in youre case NOW and it will assure the survival of the fish and really help the tank out in the cycle process.
The cycle is the most critical part of setting up a new tank and in some casses can prove to be a diapointment or a FISH full of joy.
I currently have over 60 tanks up and running and never lack extra filters or established gravel. Several pointers I can suggest are:
If poss. use a filter from an already established tank. External filter, sponge filter,box filter all work well for this just remember NOT to rinse the filter out prior to introduction to the new tank. Pores rocks, and or decor can be used to help this process along also. All these mentioned have already been colonized with good bacteria and will aid in the removal of those nasty new tank syndrome headaches.
Still with me or did I ramble off?
You mentioned a pond which you have outside housing goldfish. Well, that can work both ways:
Pro: water,gravel,rocks all have colonized bacteria already non it if the pond is established. Which can be very good in aiding in the cycle though iot has have its fall backs.
Con: water from a pond can contains parasites, snail eggs if using gravel, plants from pond. And it this case you have gold fish. These can carry anchor worms which can infect your new tank and it's inhabitants Many more cons to this than pros.
So what IMO is the best would be to get some good conditioner as mentioned above and DO NOT do water change nor filter cleaning till tank is established.
Continue to check water perimeters till ALL readings are normal. Once this is all done I suggest NOT overloading the tank as to this can put you right back at square 1. Rule of thumb is 1 inch of fish per gallon. Though this rule can be bent with propper filtration and compatible tank mates.
Alright fingers need a break being im a bit rusty. geshhhhhhhh has been awhile
Hope the ramble serves of some help.
Danny
