When should i start adding more fish?

Question

I had a huge n02 problem in my aquarium and lost most of my fish. I have 4 mollies and 3 catfish which survived. I have been changing the water for the last week and finally this morning the no2 test i did was crystal clear. I dont want to add more fish too soon so how long should i leave it and which fish should i introduce?

Any suggestions much appreciated

Thanks in Advance

Answer 1

I would leave the current fish as they are for a week and make sure the water parameters stay good without the extra water changes. If they are still fine after a week, then add fish a few at a time.

Do you know why the NO2 level was high? Filter failure? Overfeeding? Overstocked tank? You dont want the same thing to happen again.

Ian

Answer 2

Check for nitrites as well as ammonia. I'd also start checking nitrates as well, just to make sure that there is some reading. Make sure to use a liquid tester. Test strips are extremely innaccurate.

How long has the tank been set up?

If it's been under a month, more than likely the tank is still cycling.

You're going to have to keep up with the water changes and testing.

Both ammonia and nitrites need to stay below 0.25 to try to keep the remainder of your fish from dying.

When there is no longer an ammonia or nitrite reading in the water after a while, but still a nitrate reading, then leave the tank alone for a day or so and keep testing. If neither shows up after a few days, then the tank should be cycled.

Wait about a week just to make sure everything is stable, and then slowly start introducing the fish.

About 2 per week or so. Just make sure when you add more fish to keep doing those tests after they've been added to make sure everything is still ok.

Answer 3

Whenever You Want But Make Sure Your Tank Is Big Enough So That Your Fish Has Lots Of Space To Swim In !

Answer 4

it dosent really matter. fish have a 3 second mindspan. so in 3 seconds they will forget about each other LOL

Answer 5

For one mollies like salt in their water.I would add two or three at a time so no one gangs up on the new guy.Check when the pet shop gets their fish in,wait a couple days after give the weak and unthrifty ones time to get sick or die on their watch.

                         Debbie O

Answer 6

slowly introduce new fish dont go crazy and get lots just a few

Answer 7

Introduce new fish gradually, no more than one or two new ones a week. Add the hardier types first. You don't say what fish you want to add, just go to your aquatic store and say "I want this fish, that fish, those fish, which are hardiest?" and add those first, graduall adding more untill the most fragile are in. Good luck