Want to add fish!

[mperez]

I have a 55 Gal tank with a proten skimemr, LR, LS, & no fish yet. I've had the rock and sand in the tank for about 2 weeks now. Tank looks really good and clear. I have done several test in the 2 weeks and I have only noticed small changes in Ammonia and nitrates but really small changes. I did a test yesterday, results PH 8.2, Ammoni 0, Nitrite 0, Nitrate 0. Would it be safe to add some damsels? I only plan on adding 2
Also I've heard people talking about adding power heads to their tanks, are they necesary on a 55 gal tank? if so how many should i buy? and if i do add a poewer head would i have to wait to add fish?. Please help since I really wnat to start adding fish to the tank
Thanks
Mike

 

[fishmamma]

Hi Mike!
What type of damsels are you planning on adding? Read up on the species, many people want to flush theirs down the toilet from what I have read. :thinking: If you added cured rock you won't see too much of a spike. I never did the shrimp cycle thing, just added lots of rock, waited a minimum of two weeks then added fish. I added a pair of juvenile false percs to my first tank and saw a very small ammonia spike for two days. Just have some pre-mixed water on hand so you can do small frequent water changes if you get a spike. Then wait a month or so before adding any new fish to give the new tank time to catch up with the bio-load. Good luck to you!!

 

[mperez]

I was thinking of adding some blue reef chromis or green chromis, something inexpensive. I will defenetly keep a bucket with ready mixed water handy just incase of the ammonia spike. Thanks for your input.
Do you know anything about power heads? I juts dont know if i even need one. When i bought LR from my LFS the guy told me that I might need a power head but wasnt to sure about it.

 

[guyute]

If your skimmer is your only water movement, yeah, you should probably throw a PH (or 2, or 3.. ) in there.

 

[fishmamma]

Phew, the chromis don't have a bad reputation. :joy: Definatly add a power head or two. Maybe one on each side of the tank for good water movement. You want to postion them so you don't have any dead spots in your tank, but you don't want them blowing any fish out of the water either. The maxijets seem to be one of the better brands, not sure what size for your tank though. Maybe a couple of Maxi900's??

 

[mperez]

Thanks for all the info People. Hope i could return the favor some day!

 

[fishmamma]

Add your powerhead(s) and fiddle with them before adding your new fish or you may stress them out by messing with the tank. I have found it helpful to test LFS water before acclimating new arrivals. If pH and specific gravity are the smae/very close you know it will be less stressful onthe fish and can do a shorter acclimation period. If they are far off acclimate very slowly, making sure they have an air stone or something in the water the whole tiem. Good luck with your new fishies, let us know when you bring them home!