Tropical Fish Forum

Tropical Fish Keeping Help and Advice => Fish Tanks and Equipment => Topic started by: notungz on June 23, 2015, 03:00:07 PM

Title: Keeping a Tank Cycled.
Post by: notungz on June 23, 2015, 03:00:07 PM

Hi All.

A couple of days ago my Pearl Cychlid died (RIP Herbert). He was in a 4 foot tank on his own apart from a Bristlenose Plec.

My question is that since I can't afford to replace him (I'm not working at the moment), I want to keep the tank "ticking over", but will it stay cycled with only the Plec in it or shall I chuck in a few Guppies?

I do plan on getting another similar fish at some point in the future so don't really want to close the tank down.

Any advice? Thanks in advance.

Ian. 

Title: Re: Keeping a Tank Cycled.
Post by: Sue on June 23, 2015, 04:14:32 PM

With the plec in the tank you can't use ammonia to keep it cycled. The plec would keep some bacteria in the filter and other surfaces but the numbers would slowly die back to just his needs now that the cichlid has died.
As you suggest you could get some cheap fish to maintain the bacteria levels, but would want to keep them once you are in a position to replace the cichlid?

Leaving the tank with just the plec does mean that when you replace the cichlid with something similar sized you would need to keep a watch on your ammonia and nitrite levels. There are ways to allow some ammonia and nitrite in the water without harming the fish so that the bacteria multiply faster. If you decide on this route, I'll tell you what they are nearer the time.

Title: Re: Keeping a Tank Cycled.
Post by: notungz on June 23, 2015, 04:33:37 PM

Hi Sue.

Thanks for that. I already have some Guppies in another tank, so I think transferring some of them to the 4 foot tank seems a good idea. Hopefully that will maintain the bacteria levels, then I can move them back when I get another fish.

I would like an Oscar, but this tank is a bit small for one of them. I'll have to have a think of a decent sized fish that doesn't cost too much.

Title: Re: Keeping a Tank Cycled.
Post by: Sue on June 23, 2015, 04:45:48 PM

It didn't occur to me to look at your signature! You could move any fish you wanted across on a temporary basis.


I know this site will be miles away from you but it will give you some idea of what's out there and how much the fish cost. Shop (http://www.aquarist-classifieds.co.uk/php/detail62_79815.php). It's the only shop I know of that gives the price of their stock on-line.

Title: Re: Keeping a Tank Cycled.
Post by: notungz on June 23, 2015, 05:19:36 PM

Thanks Sue.

That looks to be a great looking shop. What a range!!!!

I have tranferred a few Guppies over. Thet were the easiest to catch since they more or less swam into the net.

Title: Re: Keeping a Tank Cycled.
Post by: Sue on June 23, 2015, 06:30:24 PM

I'm lucky as that shop is only half an hour's drive from me  ;D

Title: Re: Keeping a Tank Cycled.
Post by: SteveS on June 24, 2015, 02:24:44 PM

Quote from: Sue on June 23, 2015, 04:45:48 PM

Shop (http://www.aquarist-classifieds.co.uk/php/detail62_79815.php). It's the only shop I know of that gives the price of their stock on-line.

You could also have a look at Kesgrave Tropicals (http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Kesgrave-Tropicals) It's an eBay shop with loads of choice.

Or This One (http://www.jessyaquarium.co.uk/Home/ProductsByCategory?categoryName=Fish)