How long to wait till adding more fish?

[travis]

Hello to all,
Am a new guy to the board but have been reading for a bit. Really like this site. Tried using the search option to answer question but couldn't find specifics.
Equipment: 37 gal Eclipse with UGF, powerhead and magnum 350. Have had tank up and running two weeks. Added Fritz Zyme bacteria 1 week ago. Added 2 yellow tail Damsels 2 days ago. Have been testing tank and all levels are good. Ammonia=0, Nitrite=0, Nitrate=20, Ph=8.2. No LR or LC in tank. Cycle hasn't started yet.
Have heard that it is o.k. to add fish now and have also heard that I should wait till my tank has completed a cycle. What do you recommend? What about adding inverts as a clean-up crew now? Thanks for your info.

 

[goofieones]

I would wait to add any more fish. Your tank is just starting to cycle. It might take as long as 8 weeks, but it will be worth it to wait it out and this assures other fish you add will be happy and not stressed in their new enviroment.

 

[the new guy]

I would hold off on adding any inverts also, until your tank cycles.
I live on Hickam, where have you been looking for your fish stuff?

 

[perps]

well thats tricky question.. 1. DONT ADD ANY FISH THAT COST $$$ .. It's fine to add things like SMALL HERMIT CRABS... other damsels.. if you like damsels..snails can be added as well.. u can also add brackishwater fish to your tank.. them are usally cheaper.. U can add some black molly as well.. there are some really inexpesive fish that u can add from now if you want to see some life in your tank.. just takes a little work to get them in..

 

[jimi]

Your tank is on its way if you already have a 20ppm nitrate reading. Your ammonia should have peaked first. I would leave things as is for at least two more weeks if your ammonia and nitrite stay at zero but you are still reading nitrates then your bacteria in a bottle may have worked well and speeded up your cycle. I would not add any more fish for another month if your readings stay the same.

 

[travis]

Thanks to all for your info. Always appreciate a little insight and advice.
Hello THE NEW GUY, have been buying primarily at Coral fish Hawaii but just recently found Modern Pet Center on Makaloa and really like the store. If you want to talk more Hawaii stuff, email me at jacoxtw@mfp.usmc.mil