How long to wait to add fish?

[Nathan2585]

I have had my tank running now for 11 days and not sure exactly how long I need to wait before adding a fish or two? The water is testing good but don't want to add it if its not ready even though its killing me
Lol

 

[Reefing Madness]

Normal cycle takes roughly 6-8 weeks. You need an ammonia source to start the cycle, then you need to wait til the ammonia and nitrites are 0, then do a 50% water change to knock the nitrates down, then your good to go.

 

[Nathan2585]

Well what do I need to spike the ammonia? Should I put food in the tank with no fish or what?

 

[NanaReefer]

Did you start your tank with live rock? Have you tested for Nitrates, nitrites and ammonia?

 

[Nathan2585]

No started with shells with live snails in it. I have tested for everything and am getting good results across the board!

 

[tyler1503]

Try ghost feeding the tank a small amount or drop a table shrimp in. If after a week or two you have an ammonia reading, you'll have to wait till that, and the subsequent nitrite drops to 0. Then as RM suggested, start water changes. If you don't get an ammonia reading at all, your tank may have already completed the initial cycle. Then you can add your CUC and a couple of weeks later you can add a small fish