Should i add my first fish in Newly set up tank?

[mandaringoby]

I started setting up my first SW 20 gallons tank on Jan 3, 2011. Now it been 3 weeks and i want to asked if I can add my first fish into the aquarium? I used fish food to cycle my tank when i set it up and I check my water chemistry today: Nitrite=0, Nitrate=.6, Ammonia=0. Any other info would be helpful. Thank You

 

[mandaringoby]

forgot to mention my salinity is at 1.025

 

[al mc]

What is your pH? And did you see a 'cycle'? I know that you have no ammonia or 'trites', but did you initially see ammonia, then 'trites' and finally all 'trates'?
I like to wait a minimum of three weeks before adding fish to a new set up. It allows most parasites, like Ich, to die out for lack of a fish host.
So, if you did have a good cycle, stable pH then I would wait another 7-10 days before adding your first fish.

 

[mandaringoby]

what u mean by did i see a cycle? my pH is at 8.3. Do u mean a build up of algae on the acrylic glass n on live rock becuz if it is den there certainly sum algae in my tank.

 

[mandaringoby]

my tank is for fish only tank n nothing else

 

[jstdv8]

the initial cycle is when you see ammonia rise on your tests and then it will fall. then nitrites will rise and fall and then nitrates rise and come down a ways. That is what he was asking if you had seen the cycle happen.

 

[mandaringoby]

ya i did witness all of the rise n fall, so does that mean i can be able to add my first fish? Thank You for all the help.

 

[teresaq]

what are your plans for the tank. I know you said fish only, but do you have snails, crabs
What fish are you going be adding.
How much live rock?
Do you have pics.
Usually you would add a small portion of your cleanup crew to battle any algea in your tank. Then after a week or so add your first fish.

 

[brandonsivek]

Is this guys 20G he is working on, the same tank he put his Radiata Lion in from another post?