Advice on Adding Fish After 6 Weeks

[CalypZooReef]

Hi everyone,

My aquarium (130G) has been running for just under six weeks now. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been running it with live sand, Aqua Forest Biofil, some fresh live rock, Microbelift- special blend and Marco Rock.

I’ve noticed a light diatom bloom here and there, but no significant “ugly phase” yet. I haven’t measured any ammonia during this time, but about four weeks ago, I did see a nitrite spike. As the nitrite decreased, I noticed an increase in nitrate, which has now dropped significantly.

Here are my current water parameters:

• Temp: 24.5°C (76°F)
• pH: 7.95
• Alkalinity: 8.2 dKH
• Nitrite: 0
• Nitrate: 6.1 ppm
• Phosphate: 3.1 ppm
• Ammonia: 0

From what I understand, adding fish could help the tank mature further by providing more waste for the system to process. Does this sound correct?

Am I ready to add fish at this stage, or should I wait longer? I had initially planned on waiting around three months, but my water parameters seem stable now.

If I do add fish, how many would you recommend to start with? I’m considering a pair of clownfish (of course) and maybe a pair of Banggai cardinalfish. Would that be too much, too little, or an unsuitable choice?

I’d really appreciate your feedback, and let me know if any details are unclear!

Thanks in advance!

 

[fishywishy]

You’re ready to add fish now. A couple of clowns and cardinals is good to start with. After 1-2 weeks you can add some more fish.

 

[herokukuri]

Plan your fish list and put the the bullied first and the bully later like clownfish

 

[Revv65]

Hi everyone,

My aquarium (130G) has been running for just under six weeks now. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been running it with live sand, Aqua Forest Biofil, some fresh live rock, Microbelift- special blend and Marco Rock.

I’ve noticed a light diatom bloom here and there, but no significant “ugly phase” yet. I haven’t measured any ammonia during this time, but about four weeks ago, I did see a nitrite spike. As the nitrite decreased, I noticed an increase in nitrate, which has now dropped significantly.

Here are my current water parameters:

• Temp: 24.5°C (76°F)
• pH: 7.95
• Alkalinity: 8.2 dKH
• Nitrite: 0
• Nitrate: 6.1 ppm
• Phosphate: 3.1 ppm
• Ammonia: 0

From what I understand, adding fish could help the tank mature further by providing more waste for the system to process. Does this sound correct?

Am I ready to add fish at this stage, or should I wait longer? I had initially planned on waiting around three months, but my water parameters seem stable now.

If I do add fish, how many would you recommend to start with? I’m considering a pair of clownfish (of course) and maybe a pair of Banggai cardinalfish. Would that be too much, too little, or an unsuitable choice?

I’d really appreciate your feedback, and let me know if any details are unclear!

Thanks in advance!

Hey there! How many fish one can put in a given tank is a subject of great debate! Lol! Seriously. IMO you'd be good in your 130g with a few more than you listed. Gradually add fish so you won't overload your newly cycled system.
As for you fish choices, both these species are popular and both are being captive bred or "aqua cultured". Spend the extra dollars and get captive bred if you can. And as stated earlier, put your "bullies" in last. Good luck!
Rich

 

[Gumbies R Us]

I agree with adding the clowns last. We added clowns last in our tank, and they haven't bothered any of our fish.