Stocking suggestions for a 15 Gal

[AAJ]

I recently got a new 15 gal. I hear that Platy's are a good cycle fish. How many Platyes and Guppies would be appropriate for that size tank?
How long would the cycle take and what is the proper procedure for introducing additional fish after the cycle is complete?

 

[tttnjfttt]

Have you read about a fishless cycling? Even though right now you REALLLLLLLY want to put fish into your tank, cycling wiht fish is a huge hassle. Alot of the fish will get sick and die just because they can't handle the stress of the ammonia. There a few linkes in the pined topics which tell you how to do it, and trust me, it is really worth it.

 

[newland]

I agree. Its worth the wait. I ran a fishless cycle on 2 of my 15 gal tanks.
both took about 12 days to cycle.

I believe the rule of 1 inch of fish to 1 gallon would give you about 12 guppies and platties.

I'm running an oversized filter so i should be able to house an extra one or at a push 2 but weather i do that or not is undecided yet.

Have you thought about swordtails a they are nice fish too.
I would stay clear of Guppies personnaly. They don't tend to live long.

 

[dwarfgourami]

I'll second that. I did a fishless and it was a lot easier than I expected. Also, it gave me the time to learn about tank chemistry etc without hazarding the life of my fish. Mine took less than a fortnight and then I could add the fish straightaway.

 

[newland]

Its also worth talking about the pros and cons of both.

Cycling with fish
Pro
Fish are in the Tank on Day 1

Cons
You have to do daily water changes
You will shorten your fishes life
You WILL lose at least one fish
You will have to wait about 4-6 weeks before adding fish.
You are un educated in keeping fish and may over feed them etc.

Fishless Cycling
Pros
Much more room for error
Can practice without killing anything
Fish will Live a full life
You can add all your fish at once.
No water changes required
You'll have time to read up on what to do.
no fish lost in the cycling process.
You'll probably end up buying a test kit

Cons
You have a tank with no fish in for 2 weeks.


There one thing you must learn with Tropical fish and thats to be pacient. This is a very good start for that as if you can wait 14 days before adding fish then waiting for anything else is much easier.

 

[digital_run]

Good post newland...fishless cycles are way better..and alot safer...The stress that fish go through during a cycle can weaken them considerably and open the door to nasty diseases. If you can get your hands on some establised media (filter sponge/gravel/plants etc form a stable tank) it would make things move along nicely. Patience is key...and during the couple weeks you can research fish that you like.

Ðigital

 

[ScoutCarcer]

Cycle with fish theres nothing wrong with it. I did it and my tank is very happy. I did lose a cory but he had parasites when I got him. And forget the stress thing jsut get some hardy fish and there wont be any stress. I got zebra danios first, next day I got my guppies, a week later I got my cories and put in my pleco. There fine.

 

[dwarfgourami]

Danios won't have a vast amount of swimming space in that tank, so wouldn't recommend them.
Of course, it is possible to cycle with fish, if you are lucky you may not have any deaths, but TBH I don't see the point when there is a perfectly simple, more humane way of doing it. To me, cycling with fish is what we did in the days when there was no alternative.
BTW it is probably not accurate to say there will be no stress just because the fish do not actually succumb. Ammonia is toxic and probably does put some stress even on fish that seem to cope well. Just can't see the point myself.
And just because you were lucky with the guppies, Scout, doesn't mean everyone will be. They are not all that hardy and it seems foolish to encourage people to take risks. Lots of posts on the forum involve weak guppies and fish dying during the cycle; that needs to be set against your one experience.
I dropped my baby on the head when she was little and she survived without any damage- doesn't mean I would go around recommending the method to new mums though.

 

[tttnjfttt]

When I first got my tank, I cycled with danios. Yes, they did survive it, however, thye fish were obviously very stressed through the process. They were very inactive, just kinda hanging out. My point is, just because a fish can survive the cycling, doesn't mean they are thriving through the process.

 

[AAJ]

Thanks everyone for the suggestions.
I had been considering the fishless cycle method but had some reservations as to the type of ammonia to use. I remember reading that you should choose one that has no other chemicals, dyes of fragrances. Does anyone have any recommendations regarding an appropriate brand in the USA that they used and worked without any problems? If I had that info, I'd be more likely to go ahead with the fishless method.

Also, I have an ammonia test kit but nothing else. What other test kits do I need?

Thanks.

 

[tttnjfttt]

I use some generic store brand ammonia, labled "pure ammonia", from the grocery store. When buying ammonia, make sure it is a clear liquid, doesn't really hold bubbles when shaken, and that it isn't labled as scented.

As for test kits, you are fine to jump in having only an ammonia test kit. Within a week of starting, be prepared to buy a nitrite test kit. Other good ones to have are nitrate, ph, GH, and KH. I would recomend buying a master test kit. It my LFS, one test is around $10, and the master is $30. Big Al's is a online store that has a master test kit for $12 (US) plus shipping. When my test kit runs out, I'm going to buy one from there.