Need Someone Who's Good With Water Parameters For Corys And Plecs

[BFG]

After abandoning a fishless cycling attempt due to having to move the tank (grrr), I'm soon to restart. (It's a 180 litre / 40 gallon tank)

Speaking to another LFS today they were rather unsure about the addition of the corys and plec as soon as the fishless cycle is finished. Their eyes glazed over a bit when I mentioned the fishless cycle, but the lady I was chatting to insisted that I'd have to wait 6 or more weeks between cycling the tank and adding them. I'm happy in a way that they weren't sure about selling me the fish as at least it shows they care about their fish - but I want to get this sorted)

From what I've heard from rdd1952, it seems that once the tank is ready to go in terms of ammonia processing - then it's ready to go. Is there some other parameter / bacterial culture (other than temp / hardness / ph / ammonia/nitrite / nitrate) that takes that amount of time to build up before I can add them?

The fish I want to add are: 6ish peppered corydoras & 2 bristlenose plecs

Any advice would be much appreciated.

 

[dwarfgourami]

I don't see that there should be a problem with adding the fish you mention after a fishless cycle. I added my peppered corys as first fish after the fishless and they were absolutely fine.

 

[rdd1952]

If you do a fishless cycle, there shouldn't be any reason you can't the corys right away. I did on my 75 gallon. I add the tetras and SAEs one day and the corys the next.

 

[Tokis-Phoenix]

I agree, as long as the tank has been fully cycled and is stable via the fishless cycle there shouldn't be a problem, there are some corys and plecs that aern't very hardy out there and it isn't advised you add them to tanks under 6months maturity, like panda corys, but bristlenose and peppered corys should be fine as they are quite hardy .
What is the substrate in the tank? Do you have any bogwood/driftwood in there?

 

[Inchworm]

Cycled is cycled; either the tank is, or it isn't. If it is, there should be no problem adding corys right away.

 

[Animation]

Should be fine when everything is settled, however.. Don't add them first the levels will be on a bumbpy road when you get fish accomadated add a few platy maybe see how the levels are then add the cory's then wait a while then add the plec's

 

[BFG]

Thanks for all the replies.

Glad to hear I should be ok. I'm really pleased with my choice now, so I've just got to track down a pair of L182s or L183s.

I've got 3 nice sized pieces of bogwood soaking as I type, so I'm hoping that'll keep the plecs happy. I'm on the look out for a few decent rocks to make hidey holes for them.

Substrate is a fairly fine gravel. Took me ages to find something I like and is suitable. It's not quite sand, but it's not far off (is a similar colour), and it's not sharp so hopefully my corys will be happy.

I'm getting all excited!!

 

[dwarfgourami]

Should be fine when everything is settled, however.. Don't add them first the levels will be on a bumbpy road when you get fish accomadated add a few platy maybe see how the levels are then add the cory's then wait a while then add the plec's

Animation, we are talking about a fishless cycle. If the tank has been properly cycled by the fishless method the levels will not be on a bumpy road and you should add the best part of your fishload straightaway, otherwise the tank will uncycle and your work will have to be done again. Please answer questions on subjects that you understand only.

However, some of the more sensitive plecs and corys should only go in a mature tank, one that has been up and running for some months, not one that has only just finished cycling.