New Tank

[choc 1]

Hi,

can someone advise me, i've just started up a new 180 rio fish tank, and my ammonia levels are zero, my nitrite levels are now zero to, will i be ok to add some cardinal tetras as i've only had my tank up and running app 3 weeks. Someone has told me to add neons first but i really like the look of the cardinals....

Help

 

[Squid]

I presume you performed a fishless cycle then, and the nitrite spike has taken place and now returned to zero. Are you still adding amonia to the tank to maintain the bio-load until you put the fish in?

If this is the case then your tank is ready to put the fish in. Some people have cycled their tank within 2 weeks!. I dont know much about tetras, but i have heard that neon tetras prefer a more mature tank of 6 months or so.. Not sure if this is the same for the cardinal tetras..

Cheers
Squid

 

[choc 1]

I presume you performed a fishless cycle then, and the nitrite spike has taken place and now returned to zero. Are you still adding amonia to the tank to maintain the bio-load until you put the fish in?

If this is the case then your tank is ready to put the fish in. Some people have cycled their tank within 2 weeks!. I dont know much about tetras, but i have heard that neon tetras prefer a more mature tank of 6 months or so.. Not sure if this is the same for the cardinal tetras..

Cheers
Squid

I cycled my tank with fish, i had 4 platy's and 2 guppy's all still ok

 

[BWBettas]

Woah a fish cycle dat must of put some strain on them and the filter. But aslong as you moniter the stats properly you should be ok. Ye i dont think tetras would be a good idea at the moment. try with some more hardy fish

 

[Squid]

I cycled my tank with fish, i had 4 platy's and 2 guppy's all still ok

On that note, i'll hand you over to the tetra experts then

 

[annka5]

Cardinal tetras and neon tetras are both fairly delicate species. However, they are also very light producers of waste. If you can stand to wait another week or so, ou could add say 5 cardinals, then wait another 10 days and add another 5, etc. This will give the filter time to build up a bit.
You'll need to monitor water conditions carefully and be prepared for water changes.
It's not ideal, you would be better going for a more hardy fish to add next IMO, but obviously it depends what fish you wnat to keep eventually.