Now that your tank is completely set up and everything is running properly, it is time to add fish.  But there is sad news at this point.  It is not suggested that you start with the fish you want to add to your tank when the tank is brand new.  The reason for this is because the tank hasn't cycled yet.  Yeah, your probably saying, "I ran my tank for 24 hours...what do you mean it hasn't cycled yet?"  All tanks go through what is known as a "tank cycle."  This usually takes about 1 to 1 1/2 months to complete.  During this time, a healthy bacteria bed has to establish itself on your gravel to help keep the fish healthy and to feed off impurities that are put into the water by fish waste.  To learn more about the tank cycle, click here.

I always recommended to my customers that they start out with gold fish.  "What!  Goldfish!  How ugly!"  (Sorry to those of you who love the goldfish)  I know, but think about it for a second.  Goldfish cost about $1.00 for a dozen or so.  The fish that you want to buy for your tank will probably cost anywhere from $2.00 to $30.00 depending on the fish.  Tank cycles are notorious for killing fish.  All the ammonia and nitrite that is in the water is very deadly to fish.  Now, for example, let's say you purchase 6 fish to put in your brand new tank.  (6 goldfish @ $.10 a piece = $.60 or 6 regular fish @ $2.00 a piece = $12.00)  Now let's say that all of your fish die.  Low chance, but let's just say it happens.  You have lost $.60 as compared to $12.00 (Assuming you buy two dollar fish.  More expensive fish put more of a dent in your wallet when they die.)  In this example, you lose less money when you go with goldfish, not to mention that goldfish are extremely hardy and usually survive a tank cycle.

Too many times, I see people get depressed and say that they hate aquariums.  When I ask them why, it is usually because they couldn't keep the fish alive.  Most of the time, the fish died within the first month of the tank's life and they spent a lot of money on fish.  If someone could have just told them about the tank cycle, they might still be enjoying their aquarium today.  That is why it is important that you try to be conservative as possible when you first start out with your new tank.  Take your time with the tank and take the appropriate steps to maintaining it and you will find that your aquarium is very enjoyable.

There are fish out there other than goldfish that will survive a tank cycle, and your local pet store should have people who know which ones they are.  Also, once your are done with the tank cycle, you can simply take your goldfish out of your tank and take them back to the pet store.  Most pet stores will simply take them back and give you credit on them.

Always try to find out as much information as you can about the fish you want to purchase before you buy them. Again, if you have any questions about a particular fish, e-mail me and I will try and help you with any information I can.

Once you have cycled your tank and purchased the fish you want, you are ready to move on to maintaining your fish tank.