I have literally have watched more than 20 videos about this and i was still confused. But this video explained everything very well and now I understand
GoLeafs03 your right! He explained this so well. It's so nice to see people who know what they are explaining. Some people who make videos like this skip this test completely
Excellent video, Followed this when I first set up a tank for my little girl a few months back, I quickly got hooked and set up a larger tank for myself, both running nice passive peaceful communities and a little 15 liter betta tank on my desk at work. I have had no beginner disasters and I have some very happy and healthy fish. Far too many conflicting and complex explanations out there that confused me, I found this video, followed the good and well but simply explained advise, which I believed was a big help in my early success. The most beneficial piece of advice I took was to take some gravel from my friends established tank, this really kickstarted things in my tanks and got things going really well. Back again to subscribe as I am now getting more adventurous (slowly) and looking for some advise on setting up a new boisterous tank with some more interesting and advanced fish, hoping to pick up some more great advise as I continue this addiction lol! Just wanted to say thanks for the video, simple and sound. Exactly what I needed, thanks from myself and my daughter who loves her Tetras and mollies (couldn't talk her out of the pink gravel though! Doh! Awesome advise
So glad to hear! It's rare for a new fish owner to do everything right, and it sounds like you did! I hate going to pet shops and seeing people buying fish, and tanks and the same time... Thanks for the kind words and I'm glad I was able to help your setup and your fish! Have a happy holiday season!
Setting up another tank and back to this vid once again for a quick refresh on starting a cycle. Many thanks yet again.....all 3 tanks still going strong 18 months later with only a couple of fatalities which I put down to a bad stock from my particular pet chain store as other hobbyists suffered similar at that same time. My big betta (Khal Drogo) is still going strong and I am hoping to start up a Discus tank sometime in 2019, now THAT will be a challenge, I will be back for advice at that stage! Keep rocking my man, thanks again
I'm starting a new (actually my first) 75 gallon tank with a Fluval 406 filter for 2 Fancy Goldfish. Great easy to understand presentation without all the techno mumble. I will get the tank running for a couple weeks before adding the fish. Thanks again!
2 years after creation and still one of the better videos on here that i've come across so far. Hoping to start cycling a tank here in the next week or two!
Hope your tank is giong well! Luckily, fish care hasn't changed much in the past 100 years, or more. So, this video should provide benefits to people for many years to come. :)
I am brand new to keeping fish, I have a 25 gallon tank. Your video is the best I have come across for explaining water changes, ammonia nitrates etc Thank you, Michael
Liked and subscribed; the best video I have have found so far for an clueless beginner such as myself. Everyone mimics the poop>Ammonia>NirIte>NitrAte>Water change when needed; No one actually talks about how to test/liquid tests over strips, that you shouldn't really have any ammonia or nitrIte. Thanks a bunch. I just set up a tiny 5 gallon for my son and am not sure if his fish will be alright. I let it run for a few days before I got a fish (a few hours ago), and it only has one bottom feeder so far. Hopefully my additives can get it through the next few nights.
It’s nice to run into intelligent people. This is a great, lucid explanation of aquarium cycling. I’ve gone though five other videos today. None explained as well as you did. Can’t wait to get going. Cheers.
One of the best explanation for us new people. I did what you say most do and over half of my fish die.... Wish I could of seen this video before... Thanks for all the information. Lesson learn.
I agree with GoLeafs03! This was the first video I have watched (out of many) that clearly explained how to set up the aquarium, thank you! Way to many nerdy enthusiasts out there who are too wigged out on what they are doing or got to succinctly help beginners! Cheers man!
You really explained this well ... some really useful tips there for us complete new beginners which I just couldn´t find in allot of other videos ... thanks
Very informative! I just got a fish tank and have started the cycle. So far so good. Going to wait at least another week before adding a couple of small fish like you said here. I am patient but not that patient 😂
Great advice! I'm quickly learning all of this after PetSmart sold me a new 20gal setup, quickstart solutions, and 10 fish the next day. They were dead the next morning with hazy white water. You guessed it; HUGE ammonia spike! Started over, waited a few weeks and started again with two fish. Even then I went too fast (on PetSmart people's advice, but I'm not allowing myself to blame them anymore, I'm taking responsibility) and added 3 more a week later... and ammonia got high again and my pH got dangerously low (maybe due to the moss ball the PetSmart folks suggested, removed for now). Luckily I had ammonia lock this time and used a little sodium bicarb to slightly raise the pH just in to the low end of what was considered safe (I've heard from many people that raising pH too fast is very bad). So far I've kept the fish alive and avoided killing any. I feel like I've finally got a grasp on this, but of course I'm still a beginner! I am grateful for video's like yours on here! Pet Smart is a dangerous place with reckless people who mean well, but just aren't there for fish, maybe they love dogs and work there... but they get rotated in to the fish dept too... moral is to do your homework and never trust somewhere like Pet Smart or Petco or anywhere to lead you straight! People like you are the true saviors to us beginners to the hobby. Thank you again for passing on this wisdom! And I just want to say that if you're new to this don't wait until you kill your fish to take this seriously and cram with research like I did, do it now or while your tank cycles without fish, at the least!
Glad to help! One last piece of advice. Most aquatic pet owners feed way too much! This goes for fish, newts, turtles, etc.. Yes, they need food, but, they don't need three huge pinches three times a day! I feed my fish about 5 times a week; a single daily feeding about 5 days a week. Turtles and newts the same. Many animals go days without food in nature. Yes, we want to provide the best we can, but, overfeeding isn't a good thing. Overfeeding also can drastically reduce water quality as the uneaten food (or overeaten food that turns to waste) decomposes. So, give your fish the food they need, but, don't feed probably nearly as much as you think (or as the back of food bottles or stores employees tell you to).
For that explanation you did even though I'm a pro when it comes to fish I thought I know it all.thank you so much for this video you did coz it helped me a lot and I'm gaining more knowledge.thumbs up for you sir!
Omg thank you, there's a lot I have done wrong but I have done some things right too, I just set up my tank today differently, it looks like a real tank , before I swear I only have a couple of small fish, some gravel a couple of rocks and that's it, but now I have gotten used to cleaning it I have upgraded and added a lot of things I feel like I have a real setup now thanks
Thanks for the video it explains a lot and I understand now why two of my goldfish died. I had four so only two left now. I'm new to having fish. Thanks again great video 👍
This is an excellent video. Concise, accurate and easy to understand without a lot of wanna-be gangsta talk like in some other videos about this hobby.
Buying my first tank in a few weeks, it will be a 23 gallon tank, so have been doing some research about set ups, what type of fish go best together and how long to do first cycles etc, watched quite a few videos an never fully understood the whole cycle/ bacteria/ testing etc, after watching this one video it clicked and I understood it
Hi! Great video! I've had a betta fish for a couple months now, and had kept it in a 1 gallon bowl. Recently I just bought it a new tank, fluval spec 2.6 gallon (I know this is still small but it's all I can afford right now!) and for the first time my betta finally has a filter and a heater. I bought the exact same water test kit you have. The ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate results came back perfect. However, the ph level is 7.6 and the high ph level is 8.2. I put my betta in my tank the exact same day I set up the tank. The tank has been running for 2 days now. I noticed my betta's behavior is typical of new tank syndrome, darting around the tank, bubbles at the surface, and lays or hides behind plants and decorations, scratches against sand and rocks. He almost seems aggressive, but he never behaved like this in his bowl. I tried to add some rocks from his old bowl. I thought buying a tank would be better for him, but it only seems to be worse right now! Could it be the high ph levels? What am I doing wrong? Thanks!
Just give it time. You should have setup the tank and let it run for at least a week with some gravel from the old bowl, then put the betta in. But, now that it's been a couple days and you tested for ammonia/nitrite you should be fine to leave him in there. Just don't feed very much. Bettas need very little food to begin with. I only feed my betta a couple small betta pellets a day (like seriously a couple, 2, maybe 3). For now, I'd feed like 1 pellet a day, for the next week. So there isn't too much waste/ammonia going into the water until the bacteria can get all grown in there. Should be alright. As for PH, betta can do fine in slightly high PH. Don't try adding any chemicals to change things. Chemicals almost often cause more bad than good, especially in a small tank. Just give it time to get all cycled.
I didn't know this the first time I got fish and they died after a week. I didn't know what was wrong because no videos or articles talked about this. Thank you for making this video, I finally know now!!
TY this is the only video which truly explains the tank cycling!!! Liked and shared!! I want to get into this hobby my dad allows me to do this and we will buy a 10 gallon sadly but we dont have much space so we have no choice but thank you!!!!!!!
Boris Cekic 10 gallons is fine. Just don't overfill the tank and don't overfeed (most people feed aquatic pets way too much, which causes poor water quality). Take it slow and enjoy your fish!
Good explanation of the nitrogen cycle and how to speed things up. I agree about the common newbie mistakes with people treating the water and assuming they are good to go. I am an odd duck in that I started with saltwater first, so I became very familiar with the nitrogen cycle before jumping in.
Oh okay I am starting a 55 gallon saltwater tank. I noticed you have a lot of light colored rock. This perfect because it makes you're fish really pop especially under the correct lighting conditions.
Hello, I know I’m late but I have a few questions and would like input- (Questions will be at the end) So I’m planning on getting a 30 gallon tank. Then I’m going to add my live plants, substrate, decorations, my filter, and my heater and thermometer. Then I will fill it with tap, add dechlorinator, supplemental beneficial bacteria (helps with growth). Then I think I’m supposed to add food (to the tank that has no fish yet) every few days to help bacterial grow. I’ll wait two weeks until the ammonia and nitrate is gone, then get my fish. I’m planning on getting tetras, mollies, or guppies as I’ve heard they are hardy and easy beginner fish. I’ll only add a few fish at a time, so I don’t spike the ammonia. Then I’ll set the bags with the fish on the surface of the tank water. I’ll slowly add water to the bag (making sure not to get any store water in my tank!) and after 30 minutes or so, scoop my fish out with a net and release them into the tank. Ill feed them daily, do a 25% water change every week and test the water regularly. Is this all? Questions- How many fish can I add at a time? Like if I got a school of 6 fish could I release them together? Or should I wait and get two fish every few days until I have a full school? Thanks!
No need for chemicals or bacteria booster. Just a little food each day (very little) and 2 to 3 weeks before adding first few fish. Tetra and guppies have different needs. You need to research the fish you want more. Heater should be on right away. During the cycle tank should be setup and running as if you had fish in it. Filters, heater, etc..
New subscriber =) This is an awesome, informative video, thank you!! I am starting my first freshwater tank, and I did get a 10gallon because that best fits the space, plus I don't want to get overwhelmed while learning. Starting it for my almost 3yo little girl so I want some bright, active fish that don't die if you sneeze too close to the aquarium. I've been researching, one step at a time, and have the tank, gravel, 3 air stones, filter, pump, heater, hood and light. I filled it with water first and added the dechlorinator and conditioner, Tetra AquaSafe, and let it run for 4 days to test the heater and filter, then took a water sample to the fish store and it was perfect. So I got the gravel and rinsed it well, added it and the air stones and all new water and added the AquaSafe That was yesterday. Now the water is growing slightly cloudy so letting it run another day and will test it. Now I'm here to learn what's next. I'm so hesitant to buy any fish until understand what can and will happen, and more importantly, why it all happens. So this video is great for super newbies!=)
Welcome! let me give you some insight :) As for the chemicals like dechlorinator and conditioner; they aren't needed. It's fine you used them, but, in the future don't spend money on them :) I never use any chemicals in any of my fish or aquatic pet tanks. They aren't needed and can often do more harm than good if added when you already have fish in the tank. But, you are all good. As for the cloudy water. This is normal and often happens during a cycle. 4 days is nowhere near long enough for a cycle to happen. Beneficial bacteria need to grow in the gravel and filter pad to 'eat' ammonia and nitrite. They will turn those 2 bad things into nitrate. Nitrate is safe in low levels and is removed with 25% water changes once or twice a month. Ammonia and nitrite will kill fish almost instantly. A liquid test kit is highly recommended. Look up "API Freshwater Test Kit". My suggesting for you would be continue to let the tank run with no fish in it for at least 10 more days. Add a very very very small amount of fish food every day. I'm talking like a very tiny amount. This food will decay, ammonia will come into the tank, and the good bacteria will start to grow. After about 10 days, add a couple fish. One of the most important things for new fish keepers to know is, less fish is better. The more fish in the tank, the more waste and ammonia that form. This can kill every single fish in the tank overnight. It's best to have just a couple fish and enjoy them. It will be less work due to less waste in the water, and also, safer for the fish to live long. In a 10 gallon you may want to look into some Tetra species. There are many tetra species and most are pretty small. You could get a 2 or 3 types of tetras and small groups of about 3 each. Or, there are other fish options as well. Perhaps a couple platy or molly fish. Do not get a pleco, most pleco species can grow over a foot! But, a few snails would be a good addition. I suggest if you get snails to also get one 'assassin snail'. These assassin snails will eat any baby snails that are born. You won't even see this happen, and you won't see the baby snails. But, if you don't have an assassin snail, and the other snails lay eggs and babies come. Well, you will have a tank full of hundreds of snails and not know what to do, it will be a mess. Anyways, this message is getting super long now. But, I hope this helps and if you have any questions feel free to send me a private message or leave a comment on a video :)
Earthling1984 Awesome advice, thanks!! I was actually thinking about a little gold colored pleco that was called an albino bristlenose, do those get huge too? I hadn't thought of snails,but I bet she'd love that, and I'm definitely making a note of the assassin snail, lol. Not trying to have a snail farm. They have some called mystery snails, are those the right ones? I had almost settled on a few guppies til I researched and again, don't want a guppy farm! We both love the bubbly eyed fantail goldfish but after reading about that, it seems like a no, at least for now. So next I was thinking about mollies, she likes the balloon belly mollies, and I love the Dalmatian mollies. I kinda like the long finned skirt tetra, and there were a few platy we liked. I like fish with more... I don't know, like bright colors or longer fins/tail (like the fantail goldfish), I liked the look of Angel fish but now I just see them hanging out and not active, and so I don't want one. Sorry for such a long post, again, but I actually don't know how to send you a private message, lol.
I always use two or three guppies as the canary in the coal mine. Usually after a week of running a virgin planted tank. I have never lost new fish in 28 years in the hobby.
Sadly too many people rush & add fish to their tank without doing it gradually & most importantly doing it the right way. So funny knowing you never tested your water for years ;) have a great weekend :)
well you shouldn't keep punishing yourself because you weren't fully aware of what the right thing was to do. it all makes perfect sense to set up your tank first before adding the fish so quickly. if you are keeping a really big fish tank then you should have a good water testing kit. fish need to be looked after not just thrown into water ;)
A few years ago I cycled a 20 gallon with 4 White Cloud Mountain Minnows and had to do about 30% water changes every 3-4 days to keep the ammonia from getting too high. I was glad when the tank was finished cycling. :-)
Jerry Moloney 10 gallon is fine just depends on how many fish u have I have 1 Betta in a 10 gal tank and its perfect for him I've had him for 3 years and did nothing this guy said even tho he's right
The Solution to pollution is dilution. I have found it is much easier/safer to cycle a larger aquarium with fish than in a 10 gallon. Even a 20 gallon would typically be safer for the fish, all things being relative...
This is a nice tank to keep a betta, some shrimps with applesnails or a few tiny fishes that you dont breed. But the basic rule is the bigger the better if you put the same fish from 15 g to 20 g you will see a more healthy and colorfull fish.
Thank You So much I got my 1st tank today and it's a 29 gallon and I'm gonna make a community of fish that are compatible with a Betta and I'm so excited! Patience is key so I'll take your advice to heart! I'm gonna set up my tank tonight :3
Awesome to hear! Bettas often do well in community tanks (some do, some don't, just depends). Be sure to get peaceful fish so they don't bite the bettas long fins. I would also suggest adding in the betta last, or at least close to last. Bettas can be territorial, so, if it is the first fish in the tank, it may be prone to wanting to attack anything else in it's territory. If other fish have already setup their own territory (and are peaceful fish), they shouldn't hurt the betta, but, will let them know this area is theirs. A couple fun ideas to make the tank have more going on. Think of getting an African dwarf frog or two (make sure *not* to get African clawed frogs which get pretty darn large). The African dwarfs only get about 2 inches and do well in community tanks. Also, there are some shrimp which do great, such as the larger flower shrimp. These shrimp get around 2 inches or so, but, they are filter feeders. They don't have big claws or anything to hurt fish. So they are nice and large and easy to view, but, safe for community tanks as well! If you have any questions let me know!
Earthling1984 omg that's so cool! Thanks for more advice! I was subscribed to u when I was 12 am now 17 and I've always wanted my own fish tank and so I can't wait! And yeah after watching your video I've planned to add my Betta last which is ironic because I picked all the the other fish because I wanted a Betta in a community tank
Earthling1984 Right now I think I'm not gonna get a dwarf frog but maybe in the distant future because since I'm a beginner I wanna stay with fish and snails and shrimp so the plan is I'm gonna let my tank cycle for a week or two then add Neon tetras maybe 6-10 because of your video! Then add ghost shrimp 4-6 then 2 mystery snails then either one loach or one clown Pleco or 3 Cory catfish since it's a schooling fish as well and then my Betta fish I'm only getting one of the three options of either a loach a Pleco or 3 Cory catfish I would love to know your thoughts on the quantity of the fish and the assortment
Very well thought out tank! It is refreshing to have someone plan out their tank (most people just don't know and buy the tank and fish the same day with no planning)! Very nice! As for the fish you selected. They all seem like great choices and should do very well together! Good job on the pleco as well; you know the common ones get huge so you picked one that gets just 4 inches! I think that will be a great tank! It will be perhaps slightly overstocked, but, not too bad. I'm curious what filtration did you choose?
Actually probably won't be overstocked at all. Since you said one loach, or pleco, or cory cats. If all of them, perhaps, but if just one of those 3 choices, should be great as is!
I have recently started a new fish tank. I bought 4 glow tetra and a snail added them to the tank and all but the snail died. Going to try it your way and see if I can make a better safer habitat for the new fish I will get.
If you go to a reputable shop ask for advice.If they don't know find a shop which sell tropical fish who know.I am starting about 40 liter glass fish tank.It is ok to say you need a big tank but space good be a problem.I will try a Nano fish tank with only one fish species.I will leave the tank to settle for about a month before adding fish.
monsterman480 yes, filters or sump tanks. I had a sump tank on this aquarium when it was setup for saltwater. in the 10gallon sump tank, I put all the filtration, heaters, etc, so nothing was in the main tank. it also had lots of live rock for bio filtration along with filter medias. for a freshwater tank, a sump usually isn't needed, and my tank having so much live rock for the bacteria should be good with just one filter.
Earthling1984 I hear aquarium safe lava rock is good for bacteria to grow on. I have a piece as decoration in my tank and my Amani shrimps like to pick on it
Great explanation and thanks for talking about how to clean the filter because NO BODY goes over that. Every time I would clean the filter in my sink some of my fish would die UGH, Now I get it. I Love the 2 sponge trick. I am going to do that so one always stays in place with good bacteria. The only problem is my sponge stays clean and my cartridge gets gunky dirty. I don’t think my sponge is working correctly to filter out the gunk. I will have to investigate as to why. Maybe a bad type of sponge or I got them backwards.
Yes, if you have ammonia in the tank that is very bad. You need to do small water changes daily. You don't want to shock the system and kill the good bacteria. So I'd say about 10 to 15 percent water change a day. Make sure not to overfeed (most aquatic pet keepers overfeed their fish, turtles, newts, etc.. They don't need as much food as people think and the excess food = ammonia in the water). Overstocking also causes problems for most new fish keepers. You can't have so many fish in the tank that the tank bacteria can't keep up with the load. Be sure to have good biological filtration. Now, biological filtration comes in many forms. Good bacteria will grow on gravel, sand, filter pads, rocks, etc.. So it can be all over the tank. Good water flow helps the bacteria get all the bad stuff out. I don't know what filter you are using, but, if it has biological media in it like a biowheel or bioballs or bio ceramic cylinders that is good. If it only has a single pad, it is a bad filter. Because bacteria grows on that pad, but, then you replace it and all the bacteria is gone.
You can, but, the bacteria you need are on surfaces, not just in the water. Better to put a filter pad, rocks, or some other object in the new tank. Will still need a full cycle, but, adding that should shave off a few days.
use Fluval products, specially the beneficial backteria to cycle the tank in a couple days. Also, measure PH and temperature to know how much ammonia vs ammonium you got. Also, always use a sponge filter to start and always have a airstone there.
Airstone isn't needed in a properly setup aquarium. I don't use chemicals and additives. I prefer natural. No need for those things. All you need is patience.
thank you for this, you explain it so swell. i had no idea why my fish were dying, now i know why... i have a question though. my aquarium water is testing high in nitrates. i keep changing the water every c ouple of days. how long will it be before the nitrate eating bacteria grow? are the high nitrates a sign that the nitrate eating bacteria is working?
Thanks and good luck! Ine thing to keep in mind is to not overstock the tank. The less fish and the less food in the water will mean the tank stays healthier longer and with less maintenance. Of course get many fish, just try not to go overboard. Have any questions feel free to comment on any of my videos.
i'm planning to get a school of glofish. i appreciate this video so much because i've never had a fishtank or any pets before. so first i would set up my tank from scratch, put in the water (plan on getting a 30 gal), and leave it fishless for 2 weeks should i add in the water conditioner in those first 2 fish-less weeks as well? so it would be fish-less water with conditioner for 2 weeks, with the filter and heater inside as well? then I cycle the water? THEN i add the couple of new fish? so the fish would be added after the first clean water cycle? or should i add them in first, then cycle the water out?
piglatin Never use any chemicals or water conditioners. I stick to natural, no chemicals. Setup your tank with everything on; filter, heater, lights, etc.. Wait at least 2 weeks, then add in a couple fish. Now wait about a week or two more. Then continue adding the other fish you want, but, just a couple every few days.
I have literally have watched more than 20 videos about this and i was still confused. But this video explained everything very well and now I understand
Im with u greek
this video is the only one who truly explained things so welL! thanks!
You're welcome :)
Agree. For me I am asian he talks so clear too.
GoLeafs03 your right! He explained this so well. It's so nice to see people who know what they are explaining. Some people who make videos like this skip this test completely
Yea he is right 😄
Earthling1984 how long does the bacteria take to grow buddy
Best video i've seen about cycling a tank and i've seen quite a few! Thank you very much!!!
I agree 👍
Excellent video, Followed this when I first set up a tank for my little girl a few months back, I quickly got hooked and set up a larger tank for myself, both running nice passive peaceful communities and a little 15 liter betta tank on my desk at work. I have had no beginner disasters and I have some very happy and healthy fish. Far too many conflicting and complex explanations out there that confused me, I found this video, followed the good and well but simply explained advise, which I believed was a big help in my early success. The most beneficial piece of advice I took was to take some gravel from my friends established tank, this really kickstarted things in my tanks and got things going really well.
Back again to subscribe as I am now getting more adventurous (slowly) and looking for some advise on setting up a new boisterous tank with some more interesting and advanced fish, hoping to pick up some more great advise as I continue this addiction lol! Just wanted to say thanks for the video, simple and sound. Exactly what I needed, thanks from myself and my daughter who loves her Tetras and mollies (couldn't talk her out of the pink gravel though! Doh!
Awesome advise
So glad to hear! It's rare for a new fish owner to do everything right, and it sounds like you did! I hate going to pet shops and seeing people buying fish, and tanks and the same time... Thanks for the kind words and I'm glad I was able to help your setup and your fish! Have a happy holiday season!
Setting up another tank and back to this vid once again for a quick refresh on starting a cycle. Many thanks yet again.....all 3 tanks still going strong 18 months later with only a couple of fatalities which I put down to a bad stock from my particular pet chain store as other hobbyists suffered similar at that same time. My big betta (Khal Drogo) is still going strong and I am hoping to start up a Discus tank sometime in 2019, now THAT will be a challenge, I will be back for advice at that stage! Keep rocking my man, thanks again
The pet store needs to explain stuff cause I didn't know any of this until I watched videos on UA-cam and someone mentioned cycling.
I'm starting a new (actually my first) 75 gallon tank with a Fluval 406 filter for 2 Fancy Goldfish. Great easy to understand presentation without all the techno mumble. I will get the tank running for a couple weeks before adding the fish. Thanks again!
2 years after creation and still one of the better videos on here that i've come across so far. Hoping to start cycling a tank here in the next week or two!
Hope your tank is giong well! Luckily, fish care hasn't changed much in the past 100 years, or more. So, this video should provide benefits to people for many years to come. :)
going*
I am brand new to keeping fish, I have a 25 gallon tank. Your video is the best I have come across for explaining water changes, ammonia nitrates etc Thank you, Michael
Glad to help!
Liked and subscribed; the best video I have have found so far for an clueless beginner such as myself. Everyone mimics the poop>Ammonia>NirIte>NitrAte>Water change when needed; No one actually talks about how to test/liquid tests over strips, that you shouldn't really have any ammonia or nitrIte. Thanks a bunch. I just set up a tiny 5 gallon for my son and am not sure if his fish will be alright. I let it run for a few days before I got a fish (a few hours ago), and it only has one bottom feeder so far. Hopefully my additives can get it through the next few nights.
hands down the best explanation on how to cycle an aquarium -thanks so much
It’s nice to run into intelligent people. This is a great, lucid explanation of aquarium cycling. I’ve gone though five other videos today. None explained as well as you did. Can’t wait to get going. Cheers.
One of the best explanation for us new people. I did what you say most do and over half of my fish die.... Wish I could of seen this video before... Thanks for all the information. Lesson learn.
I've been doing lots of research and this has been one of the most informational videos so far!
great video, explained very well need more people like you on here who has accurate knowledge and know what you're talking about!!
Best explanation on this subject i have seen yet...Thankyou
:)
Thanks for this! Iv been trying to research cycling a tank but none of it has made any sense! this really helps clear things up :)
I agree with GoLeafs03! This was the first video I have watched (out of many) that clearly explained how to set up the aquarium, thank you! Way to many nerdy enthusiasts out there who are too wigged out on what they are doing or got to succinctly help beginners! Cheers man!
thanks for your explanation of cycling. I feel much more confident now. Thanks again.
BEST... and I mean BEST most informative and well explained video out here!!! Thank you!!!
Great video bro! Very informative for someone coming back to keeping fish after around a 12 year gap......Thanx
Awesome job brother....greatly appreciate your knowledge
Very nice done , lots of information to the new fish keepers .. Tks
Use to watch your rc videos back when I was 12. Good old times...
You really explained this well ... some really useful tips there for us complete new beginners which I just couldn´t find in allot of other videos ... thanks
Very informative! I just got a fish tank and have started the cycle. So far so good. Going to wait at least another week before adding a couple of small fish like you said here. I am patient but not that patient 😂
jesus, i never even dreamed that fish keeping could have so many things to know before starting. great video by the way,
Great advice! I'm quickly learning all of this after PetSmart sold me a new 20gal setup, quickstart solutions, and 10 fish the next day. They were dead the next morning with hazy white water. You guessed it; HUGE ammonia spike! Started over, waited a few weeks and started again with two fish. Even then I went too fast (on PetSmart people's advice, but I'm not allowing myself to blame them anymore, I'm taking responsibility) and added 3 more a week later... and ammonia got high again and my pH got dangerously low (maybe due to the moss ball the PetSmart folks suggested, removed for now). Luckily I had ammonia lock this time and used a little sodium bicarb to slightly raise the pH just in to the low end of what was considered safe (I've heard from many people that raising pH too fast is very bad). So far I've kept the fish alive and avoided killing any. I feel like I've finally got a grasp on this, but of course I'm still a beginner! I am grateful for video's like yours on here! Pet Smart is a dangerous place with reckless people who mean well, but just aren't there for fish, maybe they love dogs and work there... but they get rotated in to the fish dept too... moral is to do your homework and never trust somewhere like Pet Smart or Petco or anywhere to lead you straight! People like you are the true saviors to us beginners to the hobby. Thank you again for passing on this wisdom! And I just want to say that if you're new to this don't wait until you kill your fish to take this seriously and cram with research like I did, do it now or while your tank cycles without fish, at the least!
Glad to help! One last piece of advice. Most aquatic pet owners feed way too much! This goes for fish, newts, turtles, etc.. Yes, they need food, but, they don't need three huge pinches three times a day! I feed my fish about 5 times a week; a single daily feeding about 5 days a week. Turtles and newts the same. Many animals go days without food in nature. Yes, we want to provide the best we can, but, overfeeding isn't a good thing. Overfeeding also can drastically reduce water quality as the uneaten food (or overeaten food that turns to waste) decomposes. So, give your fish the food they need, but, don't feed probably nearly as much as you think (or as the back of food bottles or stores employees tell you to).
For that explanation you did even though I'm a pro when it comes to fish I thought I know it all.thank you so much for this video you did coz it helped me a lot and I'm gaining more knowledge.thumbs up for you sir!
Superb advice,the key word is patience with aquarium stocking.✌👍👌
Omg thank you, there's a lot I have done wrong but I have done some things right too, I just set up my tank today differently, it looks like a real tank , before I swear I only have a couple of small fish, some gravel a couple of rocks and that's it, but now I have gotten used to cleaning it I have upgraded and added a lot of things I feel like I have a real setup now thanks
good video . I've seen others that say for beginners then talk using terms that only experienced people would understand thanks
yea, great quick explanation of the fish hobby. Cheers.
thank you, did a new tank this week and lost several fish in just a few days, gonna do what you said and start this over.
Excellent video on the subject...
Awesome helpful !!! I feel much better as i enter into this new hobby...And I Will be paitent.....couple fish at a time ! Huge tips !
I actually didn't know about the nitrates in the tank, thank you!
Thanks for the video it explains a lot and I understand now why two of my goldfish died. I had four so only two left now. I'm new to having fish. Thanks again great video 👍
This is an excellent video. Concise, accurate and easy to understand without a lot of wanna-be gangsta talk like in some other videos about this hobby.
Buying my first tank in a few weeks, it will be a 23 gallon tank, so have been doing some research about set ups, what type of fish go best together and how long to do first cycles etc, watched quite a few videos an never fully understood the whole cycle/ bacteria/ testing etc, after watching this one video it clicked and I understood it
Hi! Great video! I've had a betta fish for a couple months now, and had kept it in a 1 gallon bowl. Recently I just bought it a new tank, fluval spec 2.6 gallon (I know this is still small but it's all I can afford right now!) and for the first time my betta finally has a filter and a heater. I bought the exact same water test kit you have. The ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate results came back perfect. However, the ph level is 7.6 and the high ph level is 8.2. I put my betta in my tank the exact same day I set up the tank. The tank has been running for 2 days now. I noticed my betta's behavior is typical of new tank syndrome, darting around the tank, bubbles at the surface, and lays or hides behind plants and decorations, scratches against sand and rocks. He almost seems aggressive, but he never behaved like this in his bowl. I tried to add some rocks from his old bowl. I thought buying a tank would be better for him, but it only seems to be worse right now! Could it be the high ph levels? What am I doing wrong?
Thanks!
Just give it time. You should have setup the tank and let it run for at least a week with some gravel from the old bowl, then put the betta in. But, now that it's been a couple days and you tested for ammonia/nitrite you should be fine to leave him in there. Just don't feed very much. Bettas need very little food to begin with. I only feed my betta a couple small betta pellets a day (like seriously a couple, 2, maybe 3). For now, I'd feed like 1 pellet a day, for the next week. So there isn't too much waste/ammonia going into the water until the bacteria can get all grown in there. Should be alright. As for PH, betta can do fine in slightly high PH. Don't try adding any chemicals to change things. Chemicals almost often cause more bad than good, especially in a small tank. Just give it time to get all cycled.
Sounds good! Thank you so much for your advice and for taking the time to respond!
Thank you! I am finally starting to understand setting up a new tank!
Great, informative and easily understood video.
Follow his advice and you and your fish will be happy.
I didn't know this the first time I got fish and they died after a week. I didn't know what was wrong because no videos or articles talked about this. Thank you for making this video, I finally know now!!
Thank you for your valuable message I'm trying to start a new aquarium soon thanks for letting me know about the update
Thanks bro for that importnant info i just got a 55 gallon cant wait to see how it turns out. Patients is key
Good job, very informative. Thank you for posting.
TY this is the only video which truly explains the tank cycling!!! Liked and shared!! I want to get into this hobby my dad allows me to do this and we will buy a 10 gallon sadly but we dont have much space so we have no choice but thank you!!!!!!!
Boris Cekic 10 gallons is fine. Just don't overfill the tank and don't overfeed (most people feed aquatic pets way too much, which causes poor water quality). Take it slow and enjoy your fish!
OK Thank you!!
Good explanation of the nitrogen cycle and how to speed things up. I agree about the common newbie mistakes with people treating the water and assuming they are good to go. I am an odd duck in that I started with saltwater first, so I became very familiar with the nitrogen cycle before jumping in.
Great suggestion about the dueling filter pads concept.
Oh okay I am starting a 55 gallon saltwater tank. I noticed you have a lot of light colored rock. This perfect because it makes you're fish really pop especially under the correct lighting conditions.
Whenever PetCo or Petsmart or any LFS sells someone their first tank they should sit them down and have them watch this and videos like this. Thanks.
awesome!!!. thank you Jesus exactly the knowledge I was needing. best video I've seen why haven't I came across this early!!! thanks bro
Hello, I know I’m late but I have a few questions and would like input-
(Questions will be at the end)
So I’m planning on getting a 30 gallon tank. Then I’m going to add my live plants, substrate, decorations, my filter, and my heater and thermometer. Then I will fill it with tap, add dechlorinator, supplemental beneficial bacteria (helps with growth). Then I think I’m supposed to add food (to the tank that has no fish yet) every few days to help bacterial grow. I’ll wait two weeks until the ammonia and nitrate is gone, then get my fish. I’m planning on getting tetras, mollies, or guppies as I’ve heard they are hardy and easy beginner fish. I’ll only add a few fish at a time, so I don’t spike the ammonia. Then I’ll set the bags with the fish on the surface of the tank water. I’ll slowly add water to the bag (making sure not to get any store water in my tank!) and after 30 minutes or so, scoop my fish out with a net and release them into the tank. Ill feed them daily, do a 25% water change every week and test the water regularly. Is this all?
Questions-
How many fish can I add at a time? Like if I got a school of 6 fish could I release them together? Or should I wait and get two fish every few days until I have a full school?
Thanks!
No need for chemicals or bacteria booster. Just a little food each day (very little) and 2 to 3 weeks before adding first few fish. Tetra and guppies have different needs. You need to research the fish you want more. Heater should be on right away. During the cycle tank should be setup and running as if you had fish in it. Filters, heater, etc..
Earthling1984 oh shoot I just realized I said tetras! It was late at night haha! I meant danios. I’ll fix that now- thanks!
Thanks mate, your explanation was easy to understand I learnt a lot
finally a good fishkeeping video! keep doing what you're doing, it is helping many noobies out their! :D
New subscriber =) This is an awesome, informative video, thank you!! I am starting my first freshwater tank, and I did get a 10gallon because that best fits the space, plus I don't want to get overwhelmed while learning. Starting it for my almost 3yo little girl so I want some bright, active fish that don't die if you sneeze too close to the aquarium. I've been researching, one step at a time, and have the tank, gravel, 3 air stones, filter, pump, heater, hood and light. I filled it with water first and added the dechlorinator and conditioner, Tetra AquaSafe, and let it run for 4 days to test the heater and filter, then took a water sample to the fish store and it was perfect.
So I got the gravel and rinsed it well, added it and the air stones and all new water and added the AquaSafe That was yesterday. Now the water is growing slightly cloudy so letting it run another day and will test it. Now I'm here to learn what's next. I'm so hesitant to buy any fish until understand what can and will happen, and more importantly, why it all happens. So this video is great for super newbies!=)
Welcome! let me give you some insight :) As for the chemicals like dechlorinator and conditioner; they aren't needed. It's fine you used them, but, in the future don't spend money on them :) I never use any chemicals in any of my fish or aquatic pet tanks. They aren't needed and can often do more harm than good if added when you already have fish in the tank. But, you are all good. As for the cloudy water. This is normal and often happens during a cycle. 4 days is nowhere near long enough for a cycle to happen. Beneficial bacteria need to grow in the gravel and filter pad to 'eat' ammonia and nitrite. They will turn those 2 bad things into nitrate. Nitrate is safe in low levels and is removed with 25% water changes once or twice a month. Ammonia and nitrite will kill fish almost instantly. A liquid test kit is highly recommended. Look up "API Freshwater Test Kit". My suggesting for you would be continue to let the tank run with no fish in it for at least 10 more days. Add a very very very small amount of fish food every day. I'm talking like a very tiny amount. This food will decay, ammonia will come into the tank, and the good bacteria will start to grow. After about 10 days, add a couple fish. One of the most important things for new fish keepers to know is, less fish is better. The more fish in the tank, the more waste and ammonia that form. This can kill every single fish in the tank overnight. It's best to have just a couple fish and enjoy them. It will be less work due to less waste in the water, and also, safer for the fish to live long. In a 10 gallon you may want to look into some Tetra species. There are many tetra species and most are pretty small. You could get a 2 or 3 types of tetras and small groups of about 3 each. Or, there are other fish options as well. Perhaps a couple platy or molly fish. Do not get a pleco, most pleco species can grow over a foot! But, a few snails would be a good addition. I suggest if you get snails to also get one 'assassin snail'. These assassin snails will eat any baby snails that are born. You won't even see this happen, and you won't see the baby snails. But, if you don't have an assassin snail, and the other snails lay eggs and babies come. Well, you will have a tank full of hundreds of snails and not know what to do, it will be a mess. Anyways, this message is getting super long now. But, I hope this helps and if you have any questions feel free to send me a private message or leave a comment on a video :)
Earthling1984 Awesome advice, thanks!! I was actually thinking about a little gold colored pleco that was called an albino bristlenose, do those get huge too? I hadn't thought of snails,but I bet she'd love that, and I'm definitely making a note of the assassin snail, lol. Not trying to have a snail farm. They have some called mystery snails, are those the right ones?
I had almost settled on a few guppies til I researched and again, don't want a guppy farm! We both love the bubbly eyed fantail goldfish but after reading about that, it seems like a no, at least for now.
So next I was thinking about mollies, she likes the balloon belly mollies, and I love the Dalmatian mollies. I kinda like the long finned skirt tetra, and there were a few platy we liked.
I like fish with more... I don't know, like bright colors or longer fins/tail (like the fantail goldfish), I liked the look of Angel fish but now I just see them hanging out and not active, and so I don't want one.
Sorry for such a long post, again, but I actually don't know how to send you a private message, lol.
I always use two or three guppies as the canary in the coal mine.
Usually after a week of running a virgin planted tank. I have never lost new fish in 28 years in the hobby.
Really informative video, thank you for posting!!!
Great video, Such good information. On todays video you suggested this one I am really glad I got to see this. Thanks for another great video.
Sadly too many people rush & add fish to their tank without doing it gradually & most importantly doing it the right way. So funny knowing you never tested your water for years ;) have a great weekend :)
***** Yeah, and I mean like back when I first had tanks like when I was young I never tested water. Have for the last like 15 years :P
well you shouldn't keep punishing yourself because you weren't fully aware of what the right thing was to do. it all makes perfect sense to set up your tank first before adding the fish so quickly. if you are keeping a really big fish tank then you should have a good water testing kit. fish need to be looked after not just thrown into water ;)
Earthling1984 tbh I never tested my water for almost my third year lol 😂
I did and all my fish survived and I still have three out of the original 6 * now 6 years later*
A few years ago I cycled a 20 gallon with 4 White Cloud Mountain Minnows and had to do about 30% water changes every 3-4 days to keep the ammonia from getting too high. I was glad when the tank was finished cycling. :-)
That's a lot of fish to cycle with. One is best. But, the water changes helped. Patience and waiting is needed for first few weeks / month.
Simply put, thank you.
You're welcome
I have just started my fish hobby, this is a great video, thank you for sharing
when i see that earthling has done a video on something im trying to do, i feel so relived. he knows his stuff
I'm so glad I found your video. I've lost two fish in one month due to not knowing what I was doing. Thank u for this video. 😊
Sarah Myers You're welcome! Good luck with your fish!
Earthling1984 Thanks. Do you have an email I can message you with questions. I probably have more then a normal person. Lol
Sarah Myers You can private message on UA-cam.
Earthling1984 ok. I will thanks so much. I want to get this right and not kill anymore fish if I can help it
I fixed the problem I went to the store and got help. An now it's super low. And they are so happy now.
Nice job. Right up to the part about not buying a 10 gal tank. Oops.
Jerry Moloney 10 gallon is fine just depends on how many fish u have I have 1 Betta in a 10 gal tank and its perfect for him I've had him for 3 years and did nothing this guy said even tho he's right
The Solution to pollution is dilution. I have found it is much easier/safer to cycle a larger aquarium with fish than in a 10 gallon. Even a 20 gallon would typically be safer for the fish, all things being relative...
This is a nice tank to keep a betta, some shrimps with applesnails or a few tiny fishes that you dont breed. But the basic rule is the bigger the better if you put the same fish from 15 g to 20 g you will see a more healthy and colorfull fish.
great you answer to all my question,thankyou# by time some one took me out of a headache.i appreciate helpful videos like this thankyou🤗
The life box in the background:) Thanks!
Good Vid guy, without getting too complicated 😊
Very helpful, excellently explained
you explain it really well. Thanks.
Wow. Great watch. I finally understand this
3 days later... I came back to watch again because this was so good.
Thank you so much! Best explanation ever.
Thank You So much I got my 1st tank today and it's a 29 gallon and I'm gonna make a community of fish that are compatible with a Betta and I'm so excited! Patience is key so I'll take your advice to heart! I'm gonna set up my tank tonight :3
Awesome to hear! Bettas often do well in community tanks (some do, some don't, just depends). Be sure to get peaceful fish so they don't bite the bettas long fins. I would also suggest adding in the betta last, or at least close to last. Bettas can be territorial, so, if it is the first fish in the tank, it may be prone to wanting to attack anything else in it's territory. If other fish have already setup their own territory (and are peaceful fish), they shouldn't hurt the betta, but, will let them know this area is theirs. A couple fun ideas to make the tank have more going on. Think of getting an African dwarf frog or two (make sure *not* to get African clawed frogs which get pretty darn large). The African dwarfs only get about 2 inches and do well in community tanks. Also, there are some shrimp which do great, such as the larger flower shrimp. These shrimp get around 2 inches or so, but, they are filter feeders. They don't have big claws or anything to hurt fish. So they are nice and large and easy to view, but, safe for community tanks as well! If you have any questions let me know!
Earthling1984 omg that's so cool! Thanks for more advice! I was subscribed to u when I was 12 am now 17 and I've always wanted my own fish tank and so I can't wait! And yeah after watching your video I've planned to add my Betta last which is ironic because I picked all the the other fish because I wanted a Betta in a community tank
Earthling1984 Right now I think I'm not gonna get a dwarf frog but maybe in the distant future because since I'm a beginner I wanna stay with fish and snails and shrimp so the plan is I'm gonna let my tank cycle for a week or two then add Neon tetras maybe 6-10 because of your video! Then add ghost shrimp 4-6 then 2 mystery snails then either one loach or one clown Pleco or 3 Cory catfish since it's a schooling fish as well and then my Betta fish I'm only getting one of the three options of either a loach a Pleco or 3 Cory catfish I would love to know your thoughts on the quantity of the fish and the assortment
Very well thought out tank! It is refreshing to have someone plan out their tank (most people just don't know and buy the tank and fish the same day with no planning)! Very nice! As for the fish you selected. They all seem like great choices and should do very well together! Good job on the pleco as well; you know the common ones get huge so you picked one that gets just 4 inches! I think that will be a great tank! It will be perhaps slightly overstocked, but, not too bad. I'm curious what filtration did you choose?
Actually probably won't be overstocked at all. Since you said one loach, or pleco, or cory cats. If all of them, perhaps, but if just one of those 3 choices, should be great as is!
I have recently started a new fish tank. I bought 4 glow tetra and a snail added them to the tank and all but the snail died. Going to try it your way and see if I can make a better safer habitat for the new fish I will get.
If you go to a reputable shop ask for advice.If they don't know find a shop which sell tropical fish who know.I am starting about 40 liter glass fish tank.It is ok to say you need a big tank but space good be a problem.I will try a Nano fish tank with only one fish species.I will leave the tank to settle for about a month before adding fish.
Excellent video. Very informative.... Thank you!!
You made this so clear and saved me thank you so much
I like how my aqua clear filter has those ceramic tube things to house the bacteria.
I've even seen people make filters just for bio filtration.
monsterman480 yes, filters or sump tanks. I had a sump tank on this aquarium when it was setup for saltwater. in the 10gallon sump tank, I put all the filtration, heaters, etc, so nothing was in the main tank. it also had lots of live rock for bio filtration along with filter medias. for a freshwater tank, a sump usually isn't needed, and my tank having so much live rock for the bacteria should be good with just one filter.
Earthling1984 I hear aquarium safe lava rock is good for bacteria to grow on. I have a piece as decoration in my tank and my Amani shrimps like to pick on it
Great explanation and thanks for talking about how to clean the filter because NO BODY goes over that. Every time I would clean the filter in my sink some of my fish would die UGH, Now I get it. I Love the 2 sponge trick. I am going to do that so one always stays in place with good bacteria. The only problem is my sponge stays clean and my cartridge gets gunky dirty. I don’t think my sponge is working correctly to filter out the gunk. I will have to investigate as to why. Maybe a bad type of sponge or I got them backwards.
Glad to help :)
Thank you. I can now confidently start my fish tank...
Glad to help! Be patient and you will be rewarded :)
Good job dude. I appreciate your experience and thanks for sharing.
Excellent explanation. Thanks.
I took the tank cycle literally! Took me ages to strap it to the handle bars!
Thank you. This video is very helpful.
this video helped me better understand things! Thank you!
Great video! Thanks!
Nice!!!! thanks so much for this video! Helped me a lot!
this is so helpful because I have been having problems with my ammonia spiked slightly so do I need to do a water change everyday
Yes, if you have ammonia in the tank that is very bad. You need to do small water changes daily. You don't want to shock the system and kill the good bacteria. So I'd say about 10 to 15 percent water change a day. Make sure not to overfeed (most aquatic pet keepers overfeed their fish, turtles, newts, etc.. They don't need as much food as people think and the excess food = ammonia in the water). Overstocking also causes problems for most new fish keepers. You can't have so many fish in the tank that the tank bacteria can't keep up with the load. Be sure to have good biological filtration. Now, biological filtration comes in many forms. Good bacteria will grow on gravel, sand, filter pads, rocks, etc.. So it can be all over the tank. Good water flow helps the bacteria get all the bad stuff out. I don't know what filter you are using, but, if it has biological media in it like a biowheel or bioballs or bio ceramic cylinders that is good. If it only has a single pad, it is a bad filter. Because bacteria grows on that pad, but, then you replace it and all the bacteria is gone.
thanks bro its the best 101 lesson on the subject of 2017
The best video ever man I love your ideas and I love your work
This helped me out a lot
Gonna go change the water right now :)
Yeah that was cool thanks dude can put a gallen water from old tank and put in new one rocks every thing I'm up grading to a bigger tank
You can, but, the bacteria you need are on surfaces, not just in the water. Better to put a filter pad, rocks, or some other object in the new tank. Will still need a full cycle, but, adding that should shave off a few days.
very very informative this video helped me kick start my hobby
thank you so much sir for uploading this video :)
:) glad to help! Good luck with your fish!
use Fluval products, specially the beneficial backteria to cycle the tank in a couple days. Also, measure PH and temperature to know how much ammonia vs ammonium you got. Also, always use a sponge filter to start and always have a airstone there.
Airstone isn't needed in a properly setup aquarium. I don't use chemicals and additives. I prefer natural. No need for those things. All you need is patience.
thank you for this, you explain it so swell. i had no idea why my fish were dying, now i know why... i have a question though. my aquarium water is testing high in nitrates. i keep changing the water every c ouple of days. how long will it be before the nitrate eating bacteria grow? are the high nitrates a sign that the nitrate eating bacteria is working?
this was really helpfull I just got a tank today
Glad to help! Remember to test everything and study up about what fish you may want! you have a week or two before you should add any fish.
Tank you now I have a pictus catfish, two cichlids, a tire track eel, and two of these hybrid fish and they are all doing fine
Thanks for telling me this because this was really confusing at first
Beautifully explained! Thanks much. I'm setting up a new aquarium in my office. Would follow your suggestions.
Thanks and good luck! Ine thing to keep in mind is to not overstock the tank. The less fish and the less food in the water will mean the tank stays healthier longer and with less maintenance. Of course get many fish, just try not to go overboard. Have any questions feel free to comment on any of my videos.
+Earthling1984 One*
Hey @Earthling Thanks again. That was informative. Will get back if I've any questions. Take care.
Thanks you! Clear and to the point
i'm planning to get a school of glofish. i appreciate this video so much because i've never had a fishtank or any pets before. so first i would set up my tank from scratch, put in the water (plan on getting a 30 gal), and leave it fishless for 2 weeks should i add in the water conditioner in those first 2 fish-less weeks as well? so it would be fish-less water with conditioner for 2 weeks, with the filter and heater inside as well? then I cycle the water? THEN i add the couple of new fish? so the fish would be added after the first clean water cycle? or should i add them in first, then cycle the water out?
piglatin Never use any chemicals or water conditioners. I stick to natural, no chemicals. Setup your tank with everything on; filter, heater, lights, etc.. Wait at least 2 weeks, then add in a couple fish. Now wait about a week or two more. Then continue adding the other fish you want, but, just a couple every few days.
I just picked up a five gallon tank.
One male guppy and two females.
Three neon tetras. Will there be enough room for them to live comfortably?